Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number 001-15216

 

 

HDFC BANK LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

India

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

HDFC Bank House, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013, India

(Address of principal executive offices)

Name: Sanjay Dongre, Executive Vice President (Legal) and Company Secretary

Telephone: 91-22-2490-2934 /or 91-22-2498-8484, Ext. 3473

Email: sanjay.dongre@hdfcbank.com

Address: 2nd floor, Process House, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India.

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing three

Equity Shares, Par value Rs. 2.0 per share

  The New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not Applicable

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: Not Applicable

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Equity Shares, as of March 31, 2013              2,379,419,030

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x                Accelerated filer  ¨                Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

    U.S. GAAP  x    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨    Other ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

     ii   

EXCHANGE RATES AND CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

     1  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     2  

BUSINESS

     3  

RISK FACTORS

     23  

PRICE RANGE OF OUR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES AND EQUITY SHARES

     35  

DESCRIPTION OF EQUITY SHARES

     37  

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

     41  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     48  

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

     49  

SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION

     52  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     71  

MANAGEMENT

     97  

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

     113  

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     114  

TAXATION

     116  

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

     121  

EXCHANGE CONTROLS

     141  

RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF INDIAN SECURITIES

     143  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     145  

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1   

EXHIBIT INDEX

  

 

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Table of Contents

CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

Form 20-F

 

     

Item Caption

  

Location

   Page  

Part I

        

Item 1

   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors   

Not Applicable

  

Item 2

   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable   

Not Applicable

  

Item 3

   Key Information   

Exchange Rates and Certain Defined Terms

     1  
     

Risk Factors

     23  
     

Selected Financial and Other Data

     49  

Item 4

   Information on the Company   

Business

     3  
     

Selected Statistical Information

     52  
     

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     71  
     

Principal Shareholders

     113  
     

Related Party Transactions

     114  
     

Supervision and Regulation

     121  

Item 5

   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     71  
     

Merger of Centurion Bank of Punjab

     78  

Item 6

   Directors, Senior Management and Employees   

Business—Employees

     22  
     

Management

     97  
     

Principal Shareholders

     113  

Item 7

   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions   

Principal Shareholders

     113  
     

Management—Loans to Members of our Senior Management

     106  
     

Related Party Transactions

     114  

Item 8

   Financial Information   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   
     

Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto

     F-1   
     

Business—Legal Proceedings

     22  

Item 9

   The Offer and Listing   

Price Range of Our American Depositary Share and Equity Shares

     35  
     

Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities

     143  

Item 10

   Additional Information   

Management

     97  
     

Description of Equity Shares

     37  
     

Dividend Policy

     48  
     

Taxation

     116  
     

Supervision and Regulation

     121  
     

Exchange Controls

     141  
     

Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities

     143  
     

Additional Information

     145  

Item 11

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   

Business—Risk Management

     17  
     

Selected Statistical Information

     52  

Item 12

   Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities   

Not Applicable

  

Item 12D

   ADSs fee disclosure   

Description of American Depository Shares—Fees and Charges for Holders of American Depository Shares

     44  

 

ii


Table of Contents
     

Item Caption

  

Location

   Page  

Part II

        

Item 13

   Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies   

Not Applicable

  

Item 14

   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds   

Not Applicable

  

Item 15

   Controls and Procedures   

Management—Controls and Procedures

     107  
     

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     146  
     

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     147  

Item 16A

   Audit Committee Financial Expert   

Management—Audit and Compliance Committee Financial Expert

     108  

Item 16B

   Code of Ethics   

Management—Code of Ethics

     108  

Item 16C

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services   

Management—Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     109  

Item 16D

   Exemption from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees   

Not Applicable

  

Item 16E

   Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers   

Not Applicable

  

Item 16F

   Changes in or disagreements with accountants   

Not Applicable

  

Item 16G

   Significant Differences in Corporate Governance Practices   

Management—Compliance with NYSE Listing Standards on Corporate Governance

     109  

 

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EXCHANGE RATES AND CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

In this document, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “HDFC Bank” or “the Bank” shall mean HDFC Bank Limited or where the context requires also to its subsidiaries whose financials are consolidated for accounting purposes. References to the “U.S.” or “United States” are to the United States of America, its territories and its possessions. References to “India” are to the Republic of India. References to “$” or “US$” or “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States and references to “ Rs.” or “rupees” or “INR” or “Indian rupees” are to the legal currency of India.

Our financial statements are presented in Indian rupees and in some cases translated into U.S. dollars. The financial statements and all other financial data included in this report, except as otherwise noted, are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. US GAAP differs in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in India, the requirements of India’s Banking Regulation Act and related regulations issued by the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”) (collectively “Indian GAAP”), which form the basis of our statutory general purpose financial statements in India. Principal differences insofar as they relate to us include: determination of the allowance for credit losses, classification and valuation of investments, accounting for deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation, employee benefits, loan origination fees, derivative financial instruments, business combinations and the presentation format and disclosures of the financial statements and related notes.

References to a particular “fiscal” year are to our fiscal year ended March 31 of such year.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Indian rupee price of the equity shares on the Indian stock exchanges and, as a result, will affect the market price of our American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) in the United States. These fluctuations will also affect the conversion into U.S. dollars by the depositary of any cash dividends paid in Indian rupees on the equity shares represented by ADSs.

During fiscal 2009, the rupee came under strong selling pressure on account of the sub-prime crisis and global risk aversion which led to a portfolio outflows. The INR managed to recover somewhat in fiscal 2010 in line with the pickup in the domestic economy and improvement in global risk appetite. In fiscal 2011, the rupee was range bound as capital flows just about managed to balance the drag from external debt servicing and import payments. However, in fiscal year 2012, the INR depreciated coming under strain amidst a widening current account deficit, thin capital inflows and rising global uncertainty spurred by lingering financial and economic instability in Europe and the USA. During fiscal 2013, the INR came under sustained selling pressure driven by growing anxiety about domestic growth prospects, concerns about the elevated current account deficit and global risk aversion (the high and low during fiscal 2013 was Rs. 57.13 per US$ and Rs. 50.64 per US$ respectively). The Indian rupee has fallen significantly against the U.S. dollar, from 54.52 rupees per U.S. dollar at March 29, 2013 to 59.37 rupees per U.S. dollar at July 19, 2013, a depreciation of 8.9%. The recent sharp decline was caused mainly by the increasing strength of the U.S. dollar, however India was particularly affected because of continued concerns about its domestic growth prospects, elevated current account deficit and global risk aversion.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning the exchange rates between Indian rupees and U.S. dollars based on the noon buying rate in The City of New York:

 

Fiscal Year

   Period  End(1)      Average(1)(2)      High      Low  

2009

     50.87        45.84        51.96        39.73  

2010

     44.95        47.39        50.48        44.94  

2011

     44.54        45.49        47.49        43.90  

2012

     50.89        47.81        53.71        44.00  

2013

     54.52        54.36        57.13        50.64  

 

(1) The noon buying rate at each period end and the average rate for each period differed from the exchange rates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
(2) Represents the average of the noon buying rate for all days during the period.

The following table sets forth the high and low noon buying rate for the Indian rupee for each of the previous six months:

 

Month

   Period End      Average      High      Low  

January 2013

     53.32        54.23        55.20        53.21  

February 2013

     54.37        53.81        54.47        52.99  

March 2013

     54.52        54.42        54.92        54.06  

April 2013

     53.68        54.32        54.91        53.68  

May 2013

     56.50        54.98        56.50        53.65  

June 2013

     59.52        58.38        60.70        56.43  

Although we have translated selected Indian rupee amounts in this document into U.S. dollars for convenience, this does not mean that the Indian rupee amounts referred to could have been, or could be, converted to U.S. dollars at any particular rate, the rates stated above, or at all. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from Indian rupees to U.S. dollars are based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Indian rupees at US$1.00 = Rs. 54.52 on March 29, 2013. The noon buying rate on July 19, 2013 was Rs. 59.37 per US$1.00.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We have included statements in this report which contain words or phrases, such as “will”, “aim”, “believe”, “expect”, “will continue”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “future”, “objective”, “project”, “should”, and similar expressions or variations of these expressions, that are “forward-looking statements”. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements due to certain risks or uncertainties associated with our expectations with respect to, but not limited to, our ability to implement our strategy successfully, the market acceptance of and demand for various banking services, future levels of our non-performing loans, our growth and expansion, the adequacy of our allowance for credit and investment losses, technological changes, volatility in investment income, our ability to market new products, cash flow projections, the outcome of any legal, tax or regulatory proceedings in India and in other jurisdictions we are or become a party to, any penalties imposed by the RBI, the future impact of new accounting standards, our ability to pay dividends, the impact of changes in banking regulations and other regulatory changes in India and other jurisdictions on us, our ability to roll over our short-term funding sources and our exposure to market and operational risks. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what may actually occur in the future. As a result, actual future gains, losses or impact on net income could materially differ from those that have been estimated. Our forward looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation, and we do not intend, to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date in the statement, even if our expectations or any related events or circumstances change.

In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the forward-looking statements contained in this document include, but are not limited to: general economic and political conditions, instability or uncertainty in India and other countries which have an impact on our business activities or investments caused by any factor including the global financial crisis and problems in the Eurozone countries, any downgrade in India’s debt rating or the debt rating of our borrowings, terrorist attacks in India, the United States or elsewhere, anti-terrorist or other attacks by the United States, a United States-led coalition or any other country, tensions between India and Pakistan related to the Kashmir region, military armament or social unrest in any part of India, the monetary and interest rate policies of the government of India, natural calamities, inflation, deflation, unanticipated turbulence in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices or other rates or prices, the performance of the financial markets in India and globally, changes in Indian and foreign laws and regulations, including tax, accounting and banking regulations, changes in competition and the pricing environment in India, and regional or general changes in asset valuations. For further discussion on the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see “Risk Factors”.

 

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BUSINESS

Overview

We are a new generation private sector bank in India. Our goal is to be the preferred provider of financial services to upper and middle income individuals and corporations in India. Our strategy is to provide a comprehensive range of financial products and services to our customers through multiple distribution channels, with what we believe is high quality service and superior execution. We have three principal business activities: retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury operations.

We have grown rapidly since commencing operations in January 1995. In the five years ended March 31, 2013, we expanded our operations from 761 branches and 1,977 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in 327 cities/towns to 3,062 branches and 10,743 ATMs in 1,845 cities/towns. During the same five year period, our customer base increased from 11.6 million customers to 28.7 million customers. On account of the expansion in our geographical reach and the resultant increase in market penetration, our assets have grown from Rs. 1,508.0 billion as of March 31, 2008 to Rs. 4,370.9 billion as of March 31, 2013. Our net income has increased from Rs. 13.2 billion for fiscal 2008 to Rs. 61.8 billion for fiscal 2013.

We acquired Centurion Bank of Punjab Limited (CBoP) in 2008. Our shareholders approved the acquisition on March 27, 2008, and it became effective May 23, 2008. The primary purpose of the acquisition was to realize potential synergies and growth opportunities. We acquired over two million customers, approximately Rs. 266,834.6 million in assets and assumed approximately Rs. 239,003.1 million in liabilities. The fair value of the net assets we acquired was Rs. 27,831.5 million on the date we acquired CBoP, which resulted in goodwill of Rs. 74,937.9 million.

Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by general economic conditions prevailing in India. It was a challenging year for the Indian economy with lingering concerns over global growth prospects and financial stability weighing on external demand and international funding. Further, local headwinds such as elevated inflation and policy impediments to investment exacerbated the impact of a shaky global environment on domestic growth. As a result, GDP growth decreased to 5.0% in fiscal 2013 from 6.2% in fiscal 2012 and 9.3% in fiscal 2011. While the government and the RBI have enacted policies to contain this decrease, their impact is not yet evident. In particular, the government has adopted an approach of fiscal consolidation. The RBI, on the other hand, had adopted an approach of measured policy easing in fiscal 2013 but it was forced to reverse its stance to combat the recent episode of excessive INR depreciation between May and July 2013. To temper the pace of depreciation, the RBI initiated measures aimed primarily to tighten onshore liquidity in order to push domestic money market rates higher so as to attract inflows into the bond markets and subsequently provide some support to the exchange rate. While growth is likely to remain subdued and the current account deficit is likely to reduce from 4.8% of GDP in fiscal year 2013 to 3.8% of GDP in fiscal year 2014, the RBI is unlikely to ease monetary policy at least until there is clear evidence of stability in the INR. On balance, a normal monsoon and some traction in government capital expenditure could result in only a modest improvement in GDP growth from 5.0% in fiscal year 2013 to 5.5% in fiscal year 2014.

Notwithstanding our pace of growth, we believe we have maintained a strong balance sheet and a low cost of funds. As of March 31, 2013, net non-performing customer assets (which consist of loans and credit substitutes) constituted 0.2% of net customer assets. In addition, our net customer assets represented 86.2% of our customer deposits and customer deposits represented 67.7% of our total liabilities and shareholders’ equity. The average non-interest bearing current accounts and low-interest bearing savings accounts represented 44.3% of total deposits for fiscal 2013. These low-cost deposits and the cash float associated with our transactional services, led to an average cost of funds including equity for fiscal 2013 of 5.2%.

We are part of the HDFC group of companies established by our principal shareholder, Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (“HDFC Limited”), a listed public limited company established under the laws of India. HDFC Limited is primarily engaged in financial services, including mortgages, property-related lending and deposit services. The subsidiaries and associated companies of HDFC Limited are also largely engaged in a range of financial services, including asset management, life insurance and other insurance. HDFC Limited and its subsidiaries owned 22.8% of our outstanding equity shares as of March 31, 2013. Our Chairman and Managing Director were nominated by HDFC Limited and appointed with the approval of our shareholders and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Mr. Keki Mistry—Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Limited, and Mrs. Renu Karnad – Managing Director of HDFC Limited are members of our Board of Directors. See also “Principal Shareholders”. We have no agreements with HDFC Limited or any of its group companies that restrict us from competing with them. We currently distribute products of HDFC Limited and its group companies, such as home loans of HDFC Limited, life and general insurance products of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited respectively and mutual funds of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited.

We had a cash outflow of approximately Rs. 5.8 billion, Rs. 7.9 billion and Rs. 10.0 billion in fiscals 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively, principally for property, plant and equipment, including our branch network expansion and our technology and communications infrastructure. We have current plans for aggregate capital expenditures of approximately Rs. 5.8 billion in fiscal 2014. This budgeted amount includes Rs. 0.8 billion to expand our branch and back office network, Rs. 0.5 billion to expand our Electronic Data Capture terminal network and Rs. 4.3 billion to upgrade and expand our hardware, data center, network and other systems. We may use these budgeted amounts for other purposes depending on, among other factors the business environment prevailing at the time, consequently our actual capital expenditures may be higher or lower than our budgeted amounts.

 

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We have two subsidiaries as per local laws: HDFC Securities Limited (“HSL”) and HDB Financial Services Limited (“HDBFSL”). HSL is primarily in the business of providing brokerage services through the internet and other channels. HDBFSL is a non-deposit taking non-bank finance company (“NBFC”). We have consolidated the financial statements of Atlas Documentary Facilitators Company Private Ltd. (“ADFC”), which provides back office transaction processing services, in our U.S. GAAP financial statements.

Our principal corporate and registered office is located at HDFC Bank House, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India. Our telephone number is 91-22-6652-1000. Our agent in the United States for the 2007 ADS offering is Depositary Management Corporation, 570 Lexington Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10022 and that for the 2001 and 2005 ADS offerings and Patriot Act information gathering is CT Corporation, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011.

Our Competitive Strengths

We attribute our growth and continuing success to the following competitive strengths:

Our use of technology

We continue to make substantial investments in our technology platform and systems and expand our electronically linked branch network. Our Bank’s direct banking platforms continue to be stable and robust, supporting increasing transaction volumes as customers adopt newer self-service technologies.

We have seamlessly upgraded our switch platform which is at the heart of the Bank’s ATM, point of sale and interactive voice response networks. Many additional services have now been made available on our Bank’s NetBanking platform, which will enhance usage. The NetBanking services can now be accessed on a wide variety of commonly available handheld phones and devices. With the implementation of micro-ATMs, our Bank has leveraged technology to enable business in the under-banked and unbanked areas, while addressing financial inclusion mandates.

We have initiated a program to upgrade the retail core banking system to the latest technology platform and this is expected to be completed in fiscal 2014. The new retail core banking system, deployed on a more robust and available platform, has also enabled the Bank to provide additional features to its customers and respond faster to business and market needs.

Live switch-over and switch-back drills of major IT applications have been completed, as part of our Bank’s Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery management strategy, thereby enhancing our Bank’s readiness in responding to emergency situations.

We deliver high quality service with superior execution

We continued to improve Service Quality (SQ) across various customer contact points, including retail branches, ATMs and phone banking. With a view to ensure comprehensive improvement, we have extended SQ initiatives to the back office support functions as well. Our SQ team’s responsibilities include workplace organization, lobby management, handling of complaints, turn-around times and compliance with the Bank’s internal processes as well as regulatory processes pertaining to customer service. We have also improved training and skill development programs to enable employees to deliver a higher quality of customer service. We have also integrated certain technology platforms to provide a seamless and smooth service experience to our customers, for example, the complaints management CRM system has been integrated with the core CRM system. We also plan to integrate the client service portal (online tracking mechanism of deliverables) with the core CRM system. Through intensive training of our staff and the use of our technology platform, we believe, we deliver efficient service with rapid response time. Our focus on knowledgeable and personalized service, we believe, draws customers to our products and increases existing customer loyalty.

Many of our operational processes are certified under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008. This certification requires the underlying processes to be robust, effective and efficient. The ISO certification ensures that: (a) we have a set of procedures that cover key processes; (b) our processes are monitored to ensure effectiveness; (c) adequate records are maintained; and (d) outputs are monitored for any defects so that appropriate and accurate remedial actions can be undertaken.

We have taken various steps to improve the effectiveness of our grievance redressal mechanism across our delivery channels. We periodically review the effectiveness of our overall customer service initiatives and grievance handling in particular at different levels within the Bank including at the Board level.

 

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We offer a wide range of products to our clients in order to service their banking needs

Whether in retail or wholesale banking, we consider ourselves a ‘one-stop shop’ for our customers’ banking needs. Our retail banking products range from retail loans to deposit products and other products and services, such as private banking, depositary accounts, foreign exchange services, distribution of third party products (such as insurance and mutual funds), bill payments and sale of precious metals (such as gold and silver). In addition we offer our customers broking accounts through our subsidiary HSL. On the wholesale banking side we offer customers working capital loans, term loans, bill collections, letters of credit and guarantees and foreign exchange and derivative products. In addition we offer a range of deposit and transaction banking services such as cash management, custodial and clearing bank services and correspondent banking. We collect taxes for the government and are bankers to issuances of equity shares and bonds to the public by companies. Our wide range of products creates multiple cross-selling opportunities for us and, we believe, improves our customer retention rates.

We have an experienced management team

Many of the members of our senior management team have been with us since our inception. They have substantial experience in banking across various countries and share our common vision of excellence in execution. We believe this team is well suited to leverage the competitive strengths we have already developed as well as to create new opportunities for our business. See also “Management”.

Our Business Strategy

Our business strategy emphasizes the following elements:

Increase our market share of India’s expanding banking and financial services industry

In addition to benefiting from the overall growth in India’s economy and financial services industry, we believe we can increase our market share by continuing to focus on our competitive strengths. We also aim to increase geographic and market penetration by expanding our branch and ATM networks and increasing our efforts to cross-sell our products.

Maintain strong asset quality through disciplined credit risk management

We have maintained high quality loan and investment portfolios through careful targeting of our customer base, and by putting in place what we believe are comprehensive risk assessment processes and diligent risk monitoring and remediation procedures. Our ratio of gross non-performing assets to customer assets was 0.8% as of March 31, 2013 and our net non-performing assets amounted to 0.2% of net customer assets. In addition, we have restructured the payment terms of certain loans. As of March 31, 2013, these represented 0.1% of our gross customer assets. We believe we can maintain strong asset quality appropriate to the loan portfolio composition, while achieving growth.

Maintain a low cost of funds

We believe we can maintain a relatively low-cost funding base as compared to our competitors, by leveraging on our strengths and expanding our base of retail savings and current deposits and increasing the free float generated by transaction services, such as cash management and stock exchange clearing. During fiscal 2013, our average cost of funds (including equity) was 5.2%.

Focus on high earnings growth with low volatility

Our net income has grown at a compounded average rate of 36.3% during the five-year period ended March 31, 2013. We intend to maintain our focus on steady earnings growth through conservative risk management techniques and low-cost funding. In addition, we aim not to rely heavily on volatile streams of income such as those from trading and other big ticket fees (such as those from investment banking) so as to maintain earnings growth.

 

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Our Principal Business Activities

Our principal business activities consist of retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury operations. The following table sets forth our net revenues attributable to each area for the last three years.

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Retail banking

   Rs. 122,321.0         84.0   Rs. 140,761.6         82.2   Rs. 173,367.6       US$ 3,179.9         82.7 %

Wholesale banking

     21,151.9         14.5     29,098.7         17.0     32,100.7         588.8         15.3 %

Treasury operations

     2,122.9         1.5     1,289.9         0.8     4,097.6         75.1         2.0 %

Net revenue

   Rs. 145,595.8         100.0   Rs. 171,150.2         100.0   Rs. 209,565.9       US$ 3,843.8         100.0 %

Retail Banking

Overview

We consider ourselves a one-stop shop for the financial needs of upper and middle income individuals. We provide a comprehensive range of financial products including deposit products, loans, credit cards, debit cards, third-party mutual funds and insurance products, investment advice, bill payment services and other services. Our retail banking loan products include loans to small and medium enterprises for commercial vehicles, construction equipment and other business purposes, which together account for more than a third of our total retail banking loans. We group these loans as part of our retail banking business considering, among other things, the customer profile, the nature of the product, the differing risks and returns, our organization structure and our internal business reporting mechanism. Such grouping ensures optimum utilization and deployment of specialized resources in our retail banking business. We also have specific products designed for lower income individuals through our Sustainable Livelihood Initiative (“SLI”). Through this initiative, we reach out to the un-banked and under-banked segments of the Indian population.

We market our services aggressively through our branches and alternate sales channels, as well as through our relationships with automobile dealers and corporate clients. We seek to establish a relationship with a retail customer and then expand it by offering more products. As part of our growth strategy we continue to expand our distribution channels so as to make it easier for the customer to do business with us. We believe this strategy, together with the general growth of the Indian economy and the Indian upper and middle classes, affords us significant opportunities for growth.

As of March 31, 2013, we had 3,062 branches and 10,743 ATMs in 1,845 cities/towns. We also provide telephone banking, internet and mobile banking to our customers. We plan to continue to expand our branch and ATM network as well as our other distribution channels, subject to regulatory guidelines/approvals.

Retail Loans and Other Asset Products

We offer a wide range of retail loans, including loans for the purchase of automobiles, personal loans, retail business banking loans, loans for the purchase of commercial vehicles and construction equipment finance, two-wheeler loans, credit cards and loans against securities. Our retail loans were 68.1 % of our gross loans of which 21.1% were unsecured as of March 31, 2013. Apart from our branches, we use our ATM screens and the internet to promote our loan products and we employ additional sales methods depending on the type of products. We perform our own credit analyses of the borrowers and the value of the collateral. See “—Risk Management—Credit Risk—Retail Credit Risk”. We also buy mortgage and other asset-backed securities and invest in retail loan portfolios through assignments. In addition to taking collateral in many cases, we generally obtain post-dated checks covering all payments at the time a retail loan is made. It is a criminal offense in India to issue a bad check. We also sometimes obtain instructions to debit the customer’s account directly for the making of payments. However, unsecured personal loans are still a greater credit risk for us than our secured loan portfolio because they are not supported by any collateral. We may be unable to collect in part or at all on an unsecured personal loan in the event of non-payment by the borrower. Accordingly, personal loans are granted at a higher loan yield since they carry a higher credit risk as compared to secured loans. Also see “Risk Factors— Our unsecured loan portfolio is not supported by any collateral that could help ensure repayment of the loan, and in the event of non-payment by a borrower of one of these loans, we may be unable to collect the unpaid balance”.

 

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The following table shows the value and share of our retail credit products:

 

     At March 31, 2013 Value      % of Total Value  
     (in millions)         

Retail Loans:

        

Auto loans

   Rs. 365,974.3       US$ 6,712.7         21.1 %

Personal loans / Credit Cards

     289,691.1        5,313.5        16.7 %

Retail business banking

     399,623.1        7,329.8        23.0 %

Commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance

     274,074.4         5,027.0         15.8 %

Housing loans

     168,048.6         3,082.3         9.7

Other Retail Loans

     232,092.2        4,257.0        13.3 %

Total retail loans

     1,729,503.7        31,722.3        99.6 %

Mortgage-backed securities

     2,475.0        45.4        0.1 %

Asset-backed securities

     5,128.7        94.1        0.3 %

Total retail assets

   Rs. 1,737,107.4       US$ 31,861.8         100.0 %

 

Note:

  The figures above exclude securitized-out receivables. Mortgaged-backed securities and asset-backed securities are reflected at fair values.

Auto Loans

We offer loans at fixed interest rates for financing new and used automobile purchases. In addition to our general marketing efforts for retail loans, we market this product through our relationships with car dealers, direct sales agents, corporate packages and joint promotion programs with automobile manufacturers.

Personal Loans / Credit Cards

We offer unsecured personal loans at fixed rates to specific customer segments, including salaried individuals and self-employed professionals. In addition, we offer unsecured personal loans to small businesses and individual businessmen.

We also offer credit cards from the VISA and MasterCard stable, including gold, silver, corporate, platinum, titanium, signature, infinite, regalia, superia and world credit cards. We had approximately 6.4 million cards outstanding as of March 31, 2013, as against 5.6 million as of March 31, 2012.

Retail Business Banking

We address the borrowing needs of the community of small businessmen primarily located near our bank branches by offering facilities such as credit lines, term loans for expansion or addition of facilities and discounting of receivables. We classify these business banking loans as a retail product. Such lending is typically secured with current assets as well as immovable property and fixed assets in some cases. We also offer letters of credit, guarantees and other basic trade finance products, foreign exchange and cash management services to such businesses.

Commercial Vehicles and Construction Equipment Finance

We provide secured financing for commercial vehicles and provide working capital, bank guarantees and trade advances to transport operators. In addition to funding domestic assets, we also finance imported assets for which we open foreign letters of credit and offer treasury services, such as forward exchange covers. We coordinate with manufacturers to jointly promote our financing options to their clients.

Housing Loans

We provide home loans through an arrangement with HDFC Limited. Under this arrangement we sell loans provided by HDFC Limited through our branches. HDFC Limited approves and disburses the loans, which are kept on in their books, and we receive a sourcing fee for these loans. We have an option but not an obligation to purchase up to 70% of the fully disbursed home loans sourced under this arrangement through either the issue of mortgage backed pass through certificates (“PTCs”) or a direct assignment of loans. The balance will be retained by HDFC Limited.

 

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Other Retail Loans

Two-Wheeler Loans

We offer loans for financing the purchase of scooters and motorcycles. We market this product in ways similar to our marketing of auto loans.

Loans Against Securities

We offer loans against equity shares, mutual fund units, bonds issued by the RBI and other securities that are on our approved list. We limit our loans against equity shares to Rs. 2.0 million per retail customer in line with regulatory guidelines and limit the amount of our total exposure secured by particular securities. We lend only against shares in book-entry (dematerialized) form, which ensures that we obtain perfected and first-priority security interests. The minimum margin for lending against shares is prescribed by the RBI.

We also offer loans which primarily include overdrafts against time deposits, health care equipment financing loans, tractor loans, loans against gold and ornaments, loans to self-help groups and small loans to farmers.

Mortgage-backed Securities

We also invest in mortgage-backed securities of other originators. These mortgages are generally in India. Most of these securities also qualify towards our directed lending obligations.

After our acquisition of CBoP, the portfolio of home loans of CBoP was transferred to our loan book.

Asset-backed Securities

We invest in auto loans, two-wheeler loans, commercial vehicle loans and other asset-backed securities, represented by PTCs. These securities are normally credit-enhanced and may qualify for our directed lending requirements. These assets are generally in India.

Loan Assignments

We purchase loan portfolios, generally in India, from other banks, financial institutions and financial companies, which are similar to asset-backed securities, except that such loans are not represented by PTCs. Some of these loans also qualify toward our directed lending obligations. Such loans are included within the categories described above based on underlying exposures.

Sale/Transfer of Receivables

We enter into assignment transactions from time to time, which are similar to asset-backed securitization transactions through the special purpose entity (SPE) route, except that such portfolios of receivables are assigned directly to the purchaser and are not represented by pass-through certificates. We also securitize our retail loan receivables through independent SPEs. In respect of these transactions, recourse is in the form of our investment in subordinated securities issued by SPEs, cash collateral and other credit and liquidity enhancements. In fiscals 2012 and 2013, we did not sell any performing loans.

Sustainable Livelihood Initiative

Our SLI targets lower income individuals to finance their economic activity, and also provide skill training, credit counseling, and market linkages for better price discovery. Through this initiative we reach out to the un-banked and under-banked segments of the Indian population.

 

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Retail Deposit Products

Retail deposits provide us with a low cost, stable funding base and have been a key focus area for us since commencing operations. Retail deposits represented approximately 75.0% of our total deposits as of March 31, 2013. The following chart shows the number of accounts and value of our retail deposits by our various deposit products:

 

     At March 31, 2013  
     Value (in millions)      % of total     Number of accounts
(in thousands)
     % of total  

Savings

   Rs. 859,272.7       US$ 15,760.7         38.8 %     17,574        71.5 %

Current

     300,952.1         5,520.0         13.6 %     2,236        9.1 %

Time

     1,056,589.6         19,379.9         47.6 %     4,763        19.4 %

Total

   Rs. 2,216,814.4       US$ 40,660.6         100.0 %     24,573        100.0 %

Our individual retail account holders have access to the benefits of a wide range of direct banking services, including debit and ATM cards, access to internet and phone banking services, access to our growing branch and ATM network, access to our other distribution channels and eligibility for utility bill payments and other services. Our retail deposit products include the following:

 

   

Savings accounts, which are demand deposits, primarily for individuals and trusts.

 

   

Current accounts, which are non-interest bearing checking accounts designed primarily for business customers. Customers have a choice of regular and premium product offerings with different minimum average quarterly account balance requirements.

 

   

Time deposits, which pay a fixed return over a predetermined time period.

We also offer special value-added accounts, which offer our customers added value and convenience. These include a time deposit account that allows for automatic transfers from a time deposit account to a savings account, as well as a time deposit account with an automatic overdraft facility.

Other Retail Services and Products

Debit Cards

We had around 15.8 million debit cards outstanding as of March 31, 2013 as compared to 14.1 million as of March 31, 2012. The cards can be used at ATMs and point-of-sales terminals in India and in other countries across the world.

Individual Depositary Accounts

We provide depositary accounts to individual retail customers for holding debt and equity instruments. Securities traded on the Indian exchanges are generally not held through a broker’s account or in a street name. Instead, an individual has his own account with a depositary participant. Depositary participants, including us, provide services through the major depositaries established by the two major stock exchanges. Depositary participants record ownership details and effectuate transfers in book-entry form on behalf of the buyers and sellers of securities. We provide a complete package of services, including account opening, registration of transfers and other transactions and information reporting.

Mutual Fund Sales

We offer our retail customers units in most of the large and reputable mutual funds in India. In some cases we earn front-end commissions for new sales and additional fees in subsequent years. We distribute mutual fund products primarily through our branches and our private banking advisors.

Insurance

We have arrangements with HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited to distribute their life insurance and general insurance products respectively, to our customers. We earn upfront commissions on new premiums collected as well as some trailing income in subsequent years in some cases while the policy is still in force.

 

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Precious Metals

We import gold and silver bars for sale to our retail customers through our branch network.

Investment Advice

We offer our customers a broad range of investment advice, including advice regarding the purchase of Indian debt, equity shares and mutual funds. We provide our high net worth private banking customers with a personal investment advisor who can consult with them on their individual investment needs.

Bill Payment Services

We offer our customers utility bill payment services for leading utility companies, including electricity, telephone and internet service providers. Customers can also review and access their bill details through our direct banking channels. We believe this is a valuable convenience that we offer our customers. We offer these services to customers through multiple distribution channels—ATMs, telephone banking, internet banking and mobile telephone banking.

Corporate Salary Accounts

We offer Corporate Salary Accounts, which allow employers to make salary payments to a group of employees with a single transfer. We then transfer the funds into the employees’ individual accounts and offer them preferred services, such as lower minimum balance requirements. As of March 31, 2013, these accounts constituted approximately 44% of our total retail savings accounts by number and approximately 29% of our retail savings deposits by value.

Non-Resident Indian Services

Non-resident Indians are an important target market segment for us given their relative affluence and strong ties with family members in India. Our non-resident deposits amounted to Rs. 291.8 billion as of March 31, 2013.

Retail Foreign Exchange

We purchase foreign currency from and sell foreign currency to retail customers in the form of cash, traveler’s checks, demand drafts, foreign exchange cards and other remittances. We also carry out foreign currency check collections.

Customers and Marketing

Our target market for our retail services is comprised of upper and middle income individuals and high net worth customers. As of March 31, 2013, around 14% of our retail deposit customers contributed approximately 71% of our retail deposits. We market our products through our branches, telemarketing and a dedicated sales staff for niche market segments. We also use third-party agents and direct sales associates to market certain products and to identify prospective new customers.

Additionally, we obtain new customers through joint marketing efforts with our wholesale banking department, such as our Corporate Salary Account package. We cross-sell many of our retail products to our customers. We also market our auto loan and two-wheeler loan products through joint efforts with relevant manufacturers and distributors.

We have programs that target other particular segments of the retail market. For example, our private and preferred banking programs provide customized financial planning to high net worth individuals in order to preserve and enhance their wealth. Private banking customers receive a personal investment advisor who serves as their single-point contact and compiles personalized portfolio tracking products, including mutual fund and equity tracking statements. Our private banking program also offers equity investment advisory products. While not as service-intensive as our private banking program, preferred banking offers similar services to a slightly broader target segment. Top revenue-generating customers of our preferred banking program are channeled into our private banking program.

 

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Wholesale Banking

Overview

We provide our corporate and institutional clients a wide array of commercial banking products and transactional services.

Our principal commercial banking products include a range of financing products, documentary credits (primarily letters of credit) and bank guarantees, foreign exchange and derivative products and corporate deposit products. Our financing products include loans, overdrafts, bill discounting and credit substitutes, such as commercial papers, debentures, preference shares and other funded products. Our foreign exchange and derivatives products assist corporations in managing their currency and interest rate exposures.

For our commercial banking products, our customers include companies that are part of private sector business houses, public sector enterprises and multinational corporations, as well as small and mid-sized businesses. Our customers also include suppliers and distributors of corporations to whom we provide credit facilities and with whom we thereby establish relationships as part of a supply chain initiative for both our commercial banking products and transactional services. We aim to provide our corporate customers with high quality customized service. We have relationship managers who focus on particular clients and who work with teams that specialize in providing specific products and services, such as cash management and treasury advisory services.

Loans to small and medium enterprises, which are generally in the nature of loans for commercial vehicles, construction equipment and business purposes, are included as part of our retail banking business. We group these loans as part of our retail banking business considering, among other things, the customer profile, the nature of the product, the differing risks and returns, our organization structure and our internal business reporting mechanism. Such grouping ensures optimum utilization and deployment of specialized resources in our retail banking business.

Our principal transactional services include cash management services, capital markets transactional services and correspondent banking services. We provide physical and electronic payment and collection mechanisms to a range of corporations, financial institutions and government entities. Our capital markets transactional services include custodial services for mutual funds and clearing bank services for the major Indian stock exchanges and commodity exchanges. In addition, we provide correspondent banking services, including cash management services and funds transfers, to foreign banks and co-operative banks.

Commercial Banking Products

Commercial Loan Products and Credit Substitutes

Our principal financing products are working capital facilities and term loans. Working capital facilities primarily consist of cash credit facilities and bill discounting. Cash credit facilities are revolving credits provided to our customers that are secured by working capital such as inventory and accounts receivable. Bill discounting consists of short-term loans which are secured by bills of exchange that have been accepted by our customers or drawn on another bank. In many cases, we provide a package of working capital financing that may consist of loans and a cash credit facility as well as documentary credits or bank guarantees. Term loans consist of short-term loans and medium-term loans which are typically loans of up to five years in duration. More than 90% of our loans are denominated in rupees with the balance being denominated in various foreign currencies, principally the U.S. dollar.

We also purchase credit substitutes, which are typically comprised of commercial paper and debentures issued by the same customers with whom we have a lending relationship in our wholesale banking business. Investment decisions for credit substitute securities are subject to the same credit approval processes as loans, and we bear the same customer risk as we do for loans extended to these customers. Additionally, the yield and maturity terms are generally directly negotiated by us with the issuer.

 

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The following table sets forth the asset allocation of our commercial loans and financing products by asset type. For accounting purposes, we classify commercial paper and debentures as credit substitutes (which in turn are classified as investments).

 

     As of March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013      2013  
     (in millions)  

Gross commercial loans

   Rs. 668,605.7       Rs. 689,314.4       Rs. 808,742.1       US$ 14,833.9   

Credit substitutes:

           

Commercial paper

   Rs. 11,906.8       Rs. 7,791.0       Rs. 39,802.6       US$ 730.1   

Non-convertible debentures

     2,584.3         4,009.5         6,820.0         125.0   

Total credit substitutes

   Rs. 14,491.1       Rs. 11,800.5       Rs. 46,622.6       US$ 855.1   

Gross commercial loans plus credit substitutes

   Rs. 683,096.8       Rs. 701,114.9       Rs. 855,364.7       US$ 15,689.0   

While we generally lend on a cash-flow basis, we also require collateral from a large number of our borrowers. As of March 31, 2013, approximately 72.9% of the aggregate principal amount of our gross wholesale loans was secured by collateral (approximately Rs. 219.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of loans were unsecured). However, collateral securing each individual loan may not be adequate in relation to the value of the loan. All borrowers must meet our internal credit assessment procedures, regardless of whether the loan is secured. See “—Risk Management—Credit Risk—Wholesale Credit Risk”.

We price our loans based on a combination of our own cost of funds, market rates, our rating of the customer and the overall revenues from the customer. An individual loan is priced on a fixed or floating rate, the pricing is based on a margin that depends on the credit assessment of the borrower. We are required to follow the Base Rate System while pricing our loans. For a detailed discussion of these requirements, see “Supervision and Regulation—Regulations Relating to Making Loans”.

The RBI requires banks to lend to specific sectors of the economy. For a detailed discussion of these requirements, see “Supervision and Regulation—Regulations Relating to Making Loans—Directed Lending”.

Bill Collection, Documentary Credits and Bank Guarantees

We provide bill collection, documentary credit facilities and bank guarantees for our corporate customers. Documentary credits and bank guarantees are typically provided on a revolving basis. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the value of transactions processed with respect to our bill collection, documentary credits and bank guarantees:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013      2013  
     (in millions)  

Bill collection

   Rs. 1,968,026.5       Rs. 3,466,005.7       Rs. 3,857,516.1       US$ 70,754.1   

Documentary credits

     429,856.9         653,828.7         598,307.0         10,974.1   

Bank guarantees

     133,783.9         199,600.1         245,625.5         4,505.2   

Total

   Rs. 2,531,667.3       Rs. 4,319,434.5       Rs. 4,701,448.6       US$ 86,233.4   

Bill collection: We provide bill collection services for our corporate clients in which we collect bills on behalf of a corporate client from the bank of our client’s customer. We do not advance funds to our client until receipt of payment.

Documentary credits: We issue documentary credit facilities on behalf of our customers for trade financing, sourcing of raw materials and capital equipment purchases.

Bank guarantees: We provide bank guarantees on behalf of our customers to guarantee their payment or performance obligations. A small part of our guarantee portfolio consists of margin guarantees to brokers issued in favor of stock exchanges.

 

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Foreign Exchange and Derivatives

Our foreign exchange and derivative product offering to our customers covers a range of products, including foreign exchange and interest rate transactions and hedging solutions, such as spot and forward foreign exchange contracts, forward rate agreements, currency swaps, currency options and interest rate derivatives. These transactions enable our customers to transfer, modify or reduce their foreign exchange and interest rate risks. A specified group of relationship managers from our treasury front office works on such product offerings jointly with the relationship managers from Wholesale Banking.

Forward exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency at a future date at the contracted rate. Currency swaps are commitments to exchange cash flows by way of interest in one currency against another currency and exchange of principal amounts at maturity based on predetermined rates. Rupee interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange fixed and floating rate cash flows in rupees. A forward rate agreement gives the buyer the ability to determine the underlying rate of interest for a specified period commencing on a specified future date (the settlement date) when the settlement amount is determined being the difference between the contracted rate and the market rate on the settlement date. Currency options give the buyer, the right but not an obligation, to buy or sell specified amounts of currency at agreed rates of exchange on or before a specified future date.

The following table presents the aggregate notional principal amounts of our outstanding foreign exchange and derivative contracts with our customers as of March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, together with the fair values on each reporting date:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013      2013  
     Notional      Fair Value      Notional      Fair Value      Notional      Fair Value      Notional      Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements

   Rs. 168,279.9       Rs. 500.0       Rs. 399,622.3       Rs. 1,496.4       Rs. 372,123.4       Rs. 381.9       US$ 6,825.4       US$ 7.0   

Forward exchange contracts, currency swaps, currency options and interest rate caps and floors

   Rs. 454,323.6       Rs. 1,138.4       Rs. 433,469.2       Rs. 8,346.0       Rs. 499,620.6       Rs. 4,216.5       US$ 9,164.0       US$ 77.3   

Investment banking

Our investment banking group has made progress in both the debt and equity capital markets business. We added a corporate finance and advisory team during fiscal 2013. We believe we are now well positioned to offer the entire gamut of investment banking services to our clients. We also focus on loan syndication in telecommunications, roads, financial services and other sectors.

Precious Metals

We are in the business of importing gold and silver bullion to leverage our distribution and servicing strengths and cater to the domestic bullion trader segment. We generally import bullion on a consignment basis so as to minimize price risk. The imports are typically on a back-to-back basis and are priced to the customer based on the price quoted by the supplier. We earn a fee on such wholesale bullion transactions.

Wholesale Deposit Products

As of March 31, 2013, we had wholesale deposits aggregating over Rs. 743.7 billion, which represented 25.1% of our total deposits. We offer both non-interest bearing current accounts and time deposits. We are allowed to vary the interest rates on our wholesale deposits based on the size of the deposit (for deposits greater than Rs. 1.5 million) so long as the rates booked on a day are the same for all customers of that deposit size for that maturity. See “Selected Statistical Information” for further information about our total deposits. With effect from April 1, 2013, the RBI increased the above threshold of Rs. 1.5 million to Rs. 10.0 million.

Transactional Services

Cash Management Services

We provide cash management services in India. Our services make it easier for our corporate customers to expedite inter-city check collections, make payments to their suppliers more efficiently, optimize liquidity and reduce interest costs. In addition to benefiting from the cash float, which reduces our overall cost of funds, we may also earn commissions for these services.

 

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Our primary cash management service is check collection and payment. Through our electronically linked branch network, correspondent bank arrangements and centralized processing, we can effectively provide nationwide collection and disbursement systems for our corporate clients. This is especially important because there is no nationwide payment system in India, and checks must generally be returned to the city from which written, in order to be cleared. Because of mail delivery delays and the variations in city-based inter-bank clearing practices, check collections can be slow and unpredictable, and can lead to uncertainty and inefficiencies in cash management. We believe, we have a strong position in this area relative to most other participants in this market.

Our wholesale banking clients also use our cash management services. These clients include Indian private sector companies, public sector undertakings and multinational companies. We also provide these services to Indian insurance companies, mutual funds, brokers, financial institutions and various government entities.

We have also implemented a straight-through processing solution to link our wholesale banking and retail banking systems. This has led to reduced manual intervention in transferring funds between the corporate accounts which are in the wholesale banking system and beneficiary accounts residing in retail banking systems. This initiative helps reduce transaction costs. We have a large number of commercial clients using our corporate Internet banking for financial transactions with their vendors, dealers and employees who bank with us.

In 2005, the RBI introduced an inter-bank settlement system called the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system. The RTGS system facilitates real time settlements primarily between banks and therefore could have an adverse impact on our cash management services. However, we believe our cash management services offer certain advantages not present in RTGS, including the provision of greater information to our clients regarding the source and identity of payments. In addition, through our cash management services our clients receive checks from their customers, which we believe many of our clients prefer because the issuance of a bad check is a criminal offense in India. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—The development of a well entrenched nationwide inter-bank settlement system would adversely impact our cash float and decrease fees we receive in connection with check collection”.

Clearing Bank Services for Stock and Commodity Exchanges

We serve as a cash-clearing bank for major stock and commodity exchanges in India, including the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“National Stock Exchange”) and the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited or BSE Limited. As a clearing bank, we provide the exchanges or their clearing corporations with a means for collecting cash payments due to them from their members or custodians and a means of making payments to these institutions. We make payments once the broker or custodian deposits the funds with us. In addition to benefiting from the cash float, which reduces our overall cost of funds, in certain cases we also earn commissions on such services.

Custodial Services

We provide custodial services principally to Indian mutual funds, as well as to domestic and international financial institutions. These services include safekeeping of securities and collection of dividend and interest payments on securities. Most of the securities under our custody are in book-entry (dematerialized) form, although we provide custody for securities in physical form as well for our wholesale banking clients. We earn revenue from these services based on the value of assets under safekeeping and the value of transactions handled.

Correspondent Banking Services

We act as a correspondent bank for co-operative banks, co-operative societies and foreign banks. We provide cash management services, funds transfers and services, such as letters of credit, foreign exchange transactions and foreign check collection. We earn revenue on a fee-for-service basis and benefit from the cash float, which reduces our overall cost of funds.

We are well positioned to offer this service to co-operative banks and foreign banks in light of the structure of the Indian banking industry and our position within it. Co-operative banks are generally restricted to a particular state and foreign banks have limited branch networks. The customers of these banks frequently need services in other areas of the country where their own banks cannot provide. Because of our technology platforms, our geographical reach and the electronic connectivity of our branch network, we can provide these banks with the ability to provide such services to their customers.

 

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Tax Collections

We were the first private sector bank to be appointed by the government of India to collect direct taxes. In fiscal 2013, we collected Rs. 1,225 billion of direct taxes for the government of India. We are also appointed to collect sales, excise and service tax within certain jurisdictions in India. In fiscal 2013, we collected over Rs.583 billion of such indirect taxes for the government of India and relevant state governments. We earn a fee from each tax collection and benefit from the cash float. We hope to expand our range of transactional services by providing more services to government entities.

Treasury

Our treasury group manages our balance sheet, including our maintenance of reserve requirements and the management of market and liquidity risk. Our treasury group also provides advice and execution services to our corporate and institutional customers with respect to their foreign exchange and derivatives transactions. In addition, our treasury group seeks to optimize profits from our proprietary trading, which is principally concentrated on Indian government securities.

Our client-based activities consist primarily of advising corporate and institutional customers and transacting spot and forward foreign exchange contracts and derivatives. Our primary customers are multinational corporations, large and medium sized domestic corporations, financial institutions, banks and public sector undertakings. We also advise and enter into foreign exchange contracts with some small companies and non-resident Indians.

The following describes our activities in the foreign exchange and derivatives markets, domestic money markets and debt securities desk and equities market. See also “Risk Management” for a discussion of our management of market risk.

Foreign Exchange and Derivatives

We enter into forward exchange contracts, currency options, forward rate agreements, currency swaps and rupee interest rate swaps with inter-bank participants, similar to our Wholesale Banking business, where we enter into such transactions with our customers. To support our clients’ activities, we are an active participant in the Indian inter-bank foreign exchange market. We also trade, to a more limited extent, for our own account. We also engage in proprietary trades of rupee-based interest rate swaps and use them as part of our asset liability management. Forward exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency at a future date at the contracted rate. Currency swaps are commitments to exchange cash flows by way of interest in one currency against another currency and exchange of principal amounts at maturity based on predetermined rates. Rupee interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange fixed and floating rate cash flows in rupees. A forward rate agreement gives the buyer the ability to determine the underlying rate of interest for a specified period commencing on a specified future date (the settlement date) when the settlement amount is determined being the difference between the contracted rate and the market rate on the settlement date. Currency options give the buyer, the right but not an obligation, to buy or sell specified amounts of currency at agreed rates of exchange on or before a specified future date.

The following table presents the aggregate notional principal amounts of our outstanding foreign exchange and derivative inter-bank contracts as of March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, together with the fair values on each reporting date:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     Notional      Fair Value     Notional      Fair Value     Notional      Fair Value     Notional      Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements

   Rs. 1,877,858.9       Rs. (2,449.3 )   Rs. 1,952,713.1       Rs. (2,114.6 )   Rs. 1,708,376.9       Rs. (2,274.6 )   US$ 31,334.9       US$ (41.7

Forward exchange contracts, currency swaps, currency options and interest rate caps and floors

   Rs. 2,946,160.8       Rs. 2,002.7      Rs. 5,489,502.9       Rs. 2,465.8      Rs. 4,179,952.9       Rs. 1,099.5      US$ 76,668.2       US$ 20.2   

 

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Domestic Money Market and Debt Securities Desk

Our principal activity in the domestic money market and debt securities market is to ensure that we comply with our reserve requirements. These consist of a cash reserve ratio, which we meet by maintaining balances with the RBI, and a statutory liquidity ratio, which we meet by purchasing Indian government securities. See also “Supervision and Regulation—Legal Reserve Requirements”. Our local currency desk primarily trades Indian government securities for our own account. We also participate in the inter-bank call deposit market and engage in limited trading of other debt instruments.

Equities Market

We trade a limited amount of equities of Indian companies for our own account. As of March 31, 2013, we had an internal approved limit of Rs 400 million for secondary market purchases and Rs.100 million for primary purchases of equity investments for proprietary trading and our exposure as of March 31, 2013 was within the said limits. We set limits on the amount invested in any individual company as well as stop-loss limits.

Distribution Channels

We deliver our products and services through a variety of distribution channels, including branches, ATMs, telephone and mobile telephone banking and internet banking.

Branches

As of March 31, 2013, we had an aggregate of 3,062 branches covering 1845 cities/ towns. The increase in branch network during the year included 193 micro branches which are primarily two or three member branches set up to enhance penetration in rural markets, including in unbanked areas. All of our branches are electronically linked so that our customers can access their accounts from any branch regardless of where they have their accounts.

Almost all of our branches focus exclusively on providing retail services and products, though a few also provide wholesale banking services. The range of products and services available at each branch depends in part on the size and location of the branch. We offer various banking services to our customers through our arrangements with correspondent banks and exchange houses in overseas locations.

As part of its branch licensing conditions, the RBI requires that at least 25% of all incremental branches added during the year must be located in unbanked rural areas. A rural area is defined as a center with a population of less than 10,000 (based on 2001 census conducted by the government of India). As of March 31, 2013, 504 of our branches were in rural areas. The RBI has given a general permission to Scheduled Commercial Banks to open branches in locations having a population lower than 100,000 and in the case of the north eastern states of India including the state of Sikkim without having the need to obtain prior approvals. Such banks are required to report complete details of the branches opened pursuant to such general permission. We offer various banking services to our customers through our arrangements with correspondent banks and exchange houses in overseas locations.

We have representative offices in the United Arab Emirates and Kenya and have a wholesale banking branch in Bahrain. We have a full service banking branch in Hong Kong. Through this branch, we provide services to Indian corporates and their affiliates to cater to their international banking requirements, as well as to retail customers.

Automated Teller Machines

As of March 31, 2013, we had a total of 10,743 ATMs, of which 4,344 were located at our branches or extension counters and 6,399 were located off site, including at large residential developments, or on major roads in metropolitan areas.

Customers can use our ATMs for a variety of functions, including withdrawing cash, monitoring bank balances, depositing cash / checks and paying utility bills. Customers can access their accounts from any of the HDFC Bank ATMs or non-HDFC Bank ATMs. ATM cards issued by other banks in the Plus, Cirrus and Amex networks can be used in our ATMs and we receive a fee for each transaction. Our debit cards can be used on ATMs of other banks while our ATM cards can be used on most of the ATM networks.

 

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Telephone Banking

We provide telephone banking services to our customers in 1,843 cities/ towns. Customers can access their accounts over the phone through our 24-hour automated voice response system and can order check books, conduct balance inquiries and order stop payments on checks. In select cities, customers can also engage in financial transactions (such as cash transfers, opening deposits and ordering demand drafts). In certain cities, we also have staff available during select hours to assist customers who want to speak directly to one of our telephone bankers.

Mobile Telephone Banking

Using our mobile banking platform, customers can perform enquiry based non-financial transactions such as balance enquiries, requests for account statements and requests for mini-statements of their transactions etc. We offer our customers the ability to carry out financial transactions from their mobile phone using “ngpay”. Customers can carry out financial transactions, such as transferring funds within and outside the Bank and mobile commerce using their HDFC Bank account by downloading this application on their mobile phones.

Internet Banking

Through our “net banking” channel, customers can access account information, track transactions, order check books, request stop check payments, transfer funds between accounts and to third parties who maintain accounts with us, open fixed deposits, give instructions for the purchase and sale of units in mutual funds, pay bills and make demand draft requests. We encourage use of our internet banking service by offering some key services for free or at a lower cost.

Risk Management

Risk is inherent in our business and sound risk management is critical to our success. The major types of risk we face are credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and operational risk. We have developed and implemented comprehensive policies and procedures to identify, assess, monitor and manage our risk.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the possibility of loss due to the failure of any counterparty to abide by the terms and conditions of any financial contract with us. We identify and manage this risk through (a) our target market definitions, (b) our credit approval process, (c) our post-disbursement monitoring and (d) our remedial management procedures.

Wholesale Credit Risk

The wholesale credit risk team, within the Credit & Market Risk Group, is primarily responsible for implementing the credit risk strategy approved by the Board, developing procedures and systems for managing credit risk, carrying out an independent assessment of credit risk, approving individual credit exposures and ensuring portfolio composition and quality. In addition to the credit approval process, there is also an independent framework for the review and approval of credit ratings.

For our wholesale banking products, we target leading private businesses and public sector enterprises in the country, subsidiaries of multinational corporations and leaders in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) segment. We also have product specific offerings for entities engaged in the capital markets and commodities businesses.

We consider credit risk of counter-party comprehensively, and thus, our credit policies and procedures apply to not only credit exposures but also credit substitutes and contingent exposures. Our Credit Policies & Procedure Manual and Credit Program, (Credit Policies) are central in controlling credit risk in various activities and products. These articulate our credit risk strategy and thereby the approach for credit origination, approval and maintenance. The Credit Policies generally address such areas as target markets, portfolio mix, prudential exposure ceilings, concentration limits, price and non-price terms, structure of limits, approval authorities, exception reporting system, prudential accounting and provisioning norms. Each credit is evaluated by the business units against the credit standards prescribed in our Credit Policies. They are then subjected to a greater degree of risk analysis based on product type and customer profile by credit risk specialists in the Credit & Market Risk Group.

 

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We have in place a process of risk grading each borrower according to its financial health and the performance of its business and each borrower is graded on an alphanumeric rating scale of HDB 1 to HDB 10 (HDB 1 indicating the best and HDB 10 the worst rating; HDB 1 to HDB 7 are investment grade ratings while HDB 8 or worse are non-investment grade ratings). We have specific models applicable to each significant segment of wholesale credit (e.g. large corporate, SME—manufacturing, SME—Services and NBFCs). Each model assesses the overall risk over four major categories—industry risk, business risk, management risk and financial risk. The aggregate weighted score based on the assessment under each of these four risk categories, correspond to a specific alphanumeric rating.

Based on what we believe is an adequately comprehensive risk assessment, credit exposure limits are set on individual counterparties. These limits take into account the overall potential exposure on the counterparty, be it on balance sheet or off balance sheet, across the banking book and the trading book, including foreign exchange and derivatives exposures. These are reviewed in detail at annual or more frequent intervals.

We do not extend credit on the judgment of one officer alone. Our credit approval process is based on a three approval system that combines credit approval authorities and discretionary powers. The required three approvals are provided by credit approvers who derive their authority from their credit skills and experience. The level for approval of a credit varies depending upon the grading of the borrower, the quantum of facilities required and whether we have been dealing with the customer by providing credit facilities in the past. Thus, initial approvals would typically require a higher level of approval for a borrower with the same grading and for sanctioning the same facility.

To ensure adequate diversification of risk, concentration limits have been set up in terms of:

a) Borrower / business group: Exposure to a borrower/business group is subject to the general ceilings established by the RBI from time to time, or specific approval by RBI. The exposure-ceiling limit for a single borrower is 15% of a bank’s capital funds. This limit may be exceeded by an additional 5% (i.e. up to 20%) provided the additional credit exposure is on account of lending to infrastructure projects. The exposure-ceiling limit in the case of a borrower group is 40% of the bank’s capital funds. This limit may be exceeded by an additional 10% (i.e. up to 50%) provided the additional credit exposure is on account of extensions of credit for infrastructure projects. In addition to the above exposure limit, a bank may, in exceptional circumstances, with the approval of its board, consider increasing its exposure to a borrower up to an additional 5% of its capital funds. For certain blue chip clients and reputed groups or in particular for entities whose borrowings / bonds qualify as Priority Sector Lending, a bank may approach the RBI for single/group borrower ceilings higher than the prescribed limits. Exposures (both lending and investment, including off balance sheet exposures) of a bank to a single Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) / NBFC—Asset Financing Company (AFC) / NBFC—Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) should not exceed 10%, 15% and 15% respectively of the bank’s capital funds. The bank may, however, assume exposures on a single NBFC /NBFC-AFC /NBFC-IFC, up to 15%, 20% and 20% respectively, of its capital funds, provided the exposure in excess of 10%, 15% and 15% specified earlier is on account of funds on-lent by the NBFC /NBFC-AFC / NBFC-IFC to the infrastructure sector.

b) Industry: Exposure to any one industry cannot exceed 12% of aggregate exposures—for this purpose advances and investments as well as non-fund based exposures are aggregated. Retail advances are exempt from such ceiling. Further, exposure to banks and state sponsored financial institutions is capped at a level of 25%.

c) Risk grading: In addition to the alphanumeric rating scale described above, we have set quantitative ceilings on aggregate funded plus non-funded exposure (excluding retail assets) specific to each risk rating category.

While we primarily make our credit decisions on a cash flow basis, we also obtain security for a significant portion of credit facilities extended by us as a second potential remedy. This can take the form of a floating charge on the movable assets of the borrower or a (first or residual) charge on the fixed assets and properties owned by the borrower. We may also require guarantees and letters of support from the flagship companies of the group in cases where facilities are granted based on our comfort level or relationship with the parent company.

We have a process for regular monitoring of all accounts at several levels. These include periodic calls on the customer, plant visits, credit reviews and monitoring of secondary data. These are designed to detect any early warning signals of deterioration in credit quality so that we can take timely corrective action.

The RBI restricts us from lending to companies with which we have any directors in common. Also, the RBI directs a portion of our lending to certain specified sectors (Priority Sector Lending). See “Supervision and Regulation—Regulations Relating to Making Loans—Directed Lending”.

 

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Retail Credit Risk

We offer a range of retail products, such as auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, business banking, two-wheeler loans, loans against securities, commercial vehicle loans. Our retail credit policy and approval process are designed for the fact that we have high volumes of relatively homogeneous, small value transactions in retail loans. There are product programs for each of these products, which define the target markets, credit philosophy and process, detailed underwriting criteria for evaluating individual credits, exception reporting systems and individual loan exposure caps.

For individual customers to be eligible for a loan, minimum credit parameters, so defined, are to be met for each product. Any deviations need to be approved at the designated levels. The product parameters have been selected based on the perceived risk characteristics specific to the product. The quantitative parameters considered include income, residence stability, the nature of the employment/business, while the qualitative parameters include accessibility, contactability and profile. Our credit policies/product programs are based on a statistical analysis of our own experience and industry data, in combination with the judgment of our senior officers.

The retail credit risk team manages credit risk in retail assets and has the following constituents:

(a) Central Risk Unit: The central risk unit drives credit risk management centrally for retail assets. It is responsible for formulating policies and evaluates proposals for launch of new products and new geographies. The central risk unit also conducts periodic reviews that cover portfolio management information system (MIS), credit MIS and post-approval reviews. The product risk teams conduct detailed studies on portfolio performance in each customer segment.

(b) Retail Underwriting: This unit is primarily responsible for approving individual credit exposures and ensuring portfolio composition and quality. The unit ensures implementation of all policies/procedures, as applicable.

(c) Risk Intelligence and Control: This unit is responsible for sampling of documents to ensure prospective borrowers with fraudulent intent are prevented from availing themselves of loans. The unit initiates market reference checks to avoid recurrence of frauds and financial losses.

(d) Retail Collections Unit: This unit is responsible for remedial management of problem exposures in retail assets. The collections unit uses specific strategies for various segments and products for remedial management.

We mine data on our borrower account behavior as well as static data regularly to monitor the portfolio performance of each product segment regularly, and use these as inputs in revising our product programs, target market definitions and credit assessment criteria to meet our twin objectives of combining volume growth and maintenance of asset quality.

Our retail loans are generally secured by a charge on the asset financed (vehicle loans, property loans and loans against gold and securities). Retail business banking loans are secured with current assets as well as immovable property and fixed assets in some cases. However, collateral securing each individual loan may not be adequate in relation to the value of the loan. If the customer fails to pay, we would, as applicable, liquidate collateral and/or set off accounts. In most cases we obtain direct debit instructions or post-dated checks from the customer. It is a criminal offence in India to issue a bad check.

Market Risk

Market risk refers to the potential loss on account of adverse changes in market variables or other risk factors which affect the value of financial instruments which we hold. The financial instruments may include investment in securities and money market instruments, including equities, bonds, foreign exchange products and derivative instruments (linear as well as non-linear products).

The market variables which affect the valuation of these instruments typically include interest rates, equity prices, commodity prices, exchange rates and volatilities. Any change in the relevant market risk variable has an adverse or favorable impact on the valuation depending on the direction of the change and the type of position held (long or short). While the positions are taken with a view to earning from the upside potential, there is always a possibility of downside risk. Thus, we have to constantly review the positions to ensure that the risk on account of such positions is within our overall risk appetite. Our risk appetite is set through a pre-approved Treasury limit, Equity limit, Counterparty Exposure limit and Asset Liability Management (ALM) limit. The process for monitoring and review of risk exposure is outlined in the various risk policies.

Our Board of Directors has delegated the responsibility for ongoing balance sheet market risk management to the asset liability committee. This committee, which is chaired by the Managing Director and includes the heads of the business groups, meets every other week and more often when conditions require. The committee reviews the product pricing for deposits and assets as well as the maturity profile and mix of our assets and liabilities. It articulates the interest rate view and decides on future business strategy with respect to interest rates. It reviews and sets funding policy and also reviews developments in the markets and the economy and their impact on the balance sheet and business. Finally, it ensures adherence to ALM market risk limits and decides on the inter-segment transfer pricing policy.

The market risk department formulates procedures for portfolio risk valuation, assesses market risk factors and recommends various market risk controls and limits for the treasury portfolio. The treasury mid-office is responsible for monitoring and reporting market risks arising from the treasury desks. The financial control department is responsible for collecting data, preparing regulatory and analytical reports and monitoring whether the interest rate and other policies and limits established by the asset liability committee are being observed. Our treasury group also assists in implementing our asset liability strategy and in providing information to the asset liability committee.

 

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Policies and Procedures

The following sections briefly describe our policies and procedures with respect to trading risk (price risk) and asset liability management risk (interest rate risk in the banking book and liquidity risk).

I. Trading Risk

Trading risk is the risk arising from price fluctuations due to market factors, such as changes in interest rates, equity prices, commodity prices, exchange rates and the variations in their implied volatilities in respect of the trading portfolio held by the Bank. The trading portfolio includes holdings in the held-for-trading and available–for-sale-portfolios, as per the RBI guidelines and comprise of positions in bonds, securities, interest rate swaps, cross currency interest rate swaps and currency options.

The trading risk is managed by putting in place a sound process for price validation and by setting various limits, such as Value at Risk (“VaR”), Stop Loss Trigger Limit (“SLTL”), Price Value per basis point (“PV01”) and Position Limits, namely, Intraday and Net Overnight Open Position, which are set in the Treasury Limits Package and Equity Limits Package.

The Treasury Limits and Equity Limits are recommended by management for approval to the Board of Directors. The limits are reviewed annually or more frequently depending on market conditions or the introduction of new products.

Trading risk policy sets the framework for market risk monitoring. The risk on account of semi-liquid or illiquid positions in trading is mitigated through the Non-Standard Product policy. The Non-Standard Product Policy stipulates restrictions and requires case specific evaluation of risk exposure in respect of non-standard products (that is products which are not part of the standard product list decided by Treasury and our Market Risk Department).

Price validation is conducted by the Treasury Analytics team, is reviewed by the market risk department and governed by the model validation policy approved by the Board of Directors.

II. Asset Liability Management (ALM)

Our Board of Directors has approved an ALM policy that covers all balance sheet and off-balance sheet items. The policy seeks to define liquidity and interest rate risk in the banking book, the measurement of these risks and their control. Other risks, namely currency risk, commodity price risk and equity price risk are governed by the market risk policy as approved by the Board.

We have interest rate risk and liquidity risk measurement, monitoring and control functions which are sufficiently independent from position-taking functions. Our ALM risk management process operates in the following hierarchical manner:

 

  a) The Board of Directors

 

  b) The Risk Policy & Monitoring Committee (RPMC)

 

  c) The Asset Liability Committee (ALCO)

 

  d) ALM operational groups

 

A. Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book (IRRBB)

IRRBB, or non-trading interest rate risk, arises from the provision of retail and wholesale (non-trading) banking products and services, when the interest rate repricing date for assets is different from the repricing date for liabilities. This includes balance sheet items which do not have a defined maturity date and an interest rate that does not change when the base rate changes.

Interest rate risk in the banking book is measured and controlled using both income metrics (Earnings at Risk) and present value metrics (Economic Value of Equity). Earnings at Risk (“EaR”), measures the sensitivity of net interest income over the next 12 months. It is calculated as the difference between the estimated income using the current yield curve and the lowest estimated income following an increase/decrease in interest rates. Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”) calculates the change in the present value of the banking book following an upward/downward interest rate shock. This calculation is equivalent to EaR except that EVE is a present value sensitivity, while EaR is a measure of income sensitivity. We undertake periodic stress testing for our banking book based on stress scenarios. This provides a measure to assess our financial resilience from extreme but plausible interest rate fluctuations.

 

B. Liquidity Risk Management

We monitor our liquidity positions on a daily basis using the statement of structural liquidity prepared according to RBI’s prescribed format. We assess the level and outlook of liquidity risk using early warning indicators derived from our portfolio and market data. Additionally, we conduct stress tests to assess the impact on our liquidity position under plausible stress scenarios.

We consider the full range of legal and regulatory restrictions on the availability of liquidity support. We also take into consideration the circumstances in which we may be obliged to transfer liquidity resources to other entities in our group. Our aim is to ensure that our funding sources are well diversified such that we are not prone to funding liquidity risks in the event of one or more of our funding resources being withdrawn. We maintain diversified and stable sources of funding, such as deposits, money market borrowings and bond issuances.

 

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Operational Risk

Our operational risk framework has been reviewed by risk and control teams. Key aspects of effective operational risk management include identification, assessment, review, control and reporting of key operational risks.

Process and Measurement

Some of the key principles of our operational risk management strategy include segregation of functions, clear reporting guidelines, well defined processes, operating manuals and job cards, transaction verification and authorization, distributed processing, staff training and a strong management team with experience in diverse fields. We are in the process of implementing various principles and guidelines laid out in respect of operational risk management by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in the Basel II guidelines and by RBI in its circulars and guidance note on operational risk and advance measurement approach guidelines. Our operational risk management committee oversees implementation of sound operational risk management framework. We have a robust process of reporting operational losses and issues relating to operational risk, wherein the relevant areas are quickly reviewed and any gap suitably addressed. This is further being enhanced with a framework that has integrated capabilities to monitor losses, evaluate operational key risk indicators and qualitatively evaluate risk-control environments among other sound principles and practices.

We have robust information technology with disaster recovery capability for critical components apart from having an integrated Business Continuity Planning (BCP) initiative for business operations of the Bank. A BCP committee oversees strategy and implementation of our disaster and business continuity framework of the Bank. We also have an Information Security Committee which oversees strategy and implementation of information security policies and procedures for the Bank.

Risk Reporting

As a part of the Bank’s overall operational risk management strategy, there is a clear line of reporting at every function which facilitates reporting and monitoring of operational risk events. Further, measurement and reporting is also achieved through various management information systems attached with each operational process which are generated and monitored regularly.

Mitigation

We manage our various operational risks by adopting, what we believe are, best practices in business processes through checks and balances, embedding monitoring and control mechanisms as a part of day-to-day operations and having an effective internal audit process. Various operational risk exposures are monitored regularly and reviewed periodically by us to ensure effective implementation. Control and mitigation guidelines are part of our various product, process operation manual and documents. We cover risk on account of natural disasters through appropriate insurance.

Operational Risk Capital

We are currently following the ‘Basic Indicator Approach’ for operational risk capital assessment as mandated by the RBI.

Competition

We face strong competition in all of our principal lines of business. Our primary competitors are large public sector banks, other private sector banks, foreign banks and, in some product areas, non-banking financial institutions. In February 2013, the RBI issued guidelines for the entry of new banks in the private sector, including eligibility criteria, capital requirements, shareholding structure, business plan and corporate governance practices. The RBI has received 26 applications for new bank licenses, including some of India’s largest business groups.

Retail Banking

In retail banking, our principal competitors are the large public sector banks, which have much larger deposit bases and branch networks than ours, other new generation private sector banks, old generation private sector banks, foreign banks and non-banking finance companies in the case of retail loan products. The retail deposit share of foreign banks is quite small by comparison to the public sector banks. However, some of the foreign banks have a significant presence among non-resident Indians and also compete for non-branch-based products.

In mutual fund sales and other investment related products, our principal competitors are brokers, foreign banks and new private sector banks.

 

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Wholesale Banking

Our principal competitors in wholesale banking are public and new private sector banks as well as foreign banks. The large public sector banks have traditionally been the market leaders in commercial lending. Foreign banks have focused primarily on serving the needs of multinational companies and Indian corporations with cross-border financing requirements including trade and transactional services and foreign exchange products and derivatives, while the large public sector banks have extensive branch networks and large local currency funding capabilities.

Treasury

In our treasury advisory services for corporate clients, we compete principally with foreign banks in foreign exchange and derivatives, as well as public sector banks and new private sector banks in the foreign exchange and money markets business.

Employees

The number of our employees has increased to 69,065 as of March 31, 2013 as compared to 66,076 as of March 31, 2012. Most of our employees are located in India. We consider our relations with our employees to be good. Further to the acquisition of CBoP, a few employees of CBoP continue to be part of a labor union. These employees represent less than 1% of our total employee strength.

Our compensation structure has fixed as well as variable pay components. Our variable pay is paid out by way of sales incentives as well as performance linked bonuses.

In addition to basic compensation, employees are eligible to participate in our provident fund and other employee benefit plans. The provident fund, to which both we and our employees contribute, is a savings scheme, required by government regulation, under which the fund is required to pay to employees a minimum annual return, which at present is 8.5%. If such return is not generated internally by the fund, we are liable for the difference. Our provident fund has generated sufficient funds internally to meet the annual return requirement since inception of the fund. We have also set up a superannuation fund to which we contribute defined amounts. We also contribute specified amounts to a pension fund in respect of certain of our erstwhile CBoP employees. In addition, we contribute specified amounts to a gratuity fund set up pursuant to Indian statutory requirements.

We focus on training our employees on a continuous basis. We have a training center in Mumbai, where we conduct regular training programs for our employees. Management and executive trainees generally undergo up to eight-week training modules covering most aspects of banking. We offer courses conducted by both internal and external faculty. In addition to ongoing on-the-job training, we provide employees courses in specific areas or specialized operations on an as-needed basis.

Properties

Our registered office and corporate headquarters is located at HDFC Bank House, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India. In addition to the corporate office, we have administrative offices in most of the metros and some other major cities in India.

As of March 31, 2013, we had a network consisting of 3,062 branches and 10,743 ATMs, including 6,399 at non-branch locations. These facilities are located throughout India with the exception of two branches which are located in Bahrain and Hong Kong.

Legal Proceedings

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. However, there are currently no legal proceedings, which if adversely determined, might affect our financial condition or the results of our operations materially.

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risk factors in evaluating us and our business.

Risks Relating to our Business

If we are unable to manage our rapid growth, our operations may suffer and our performance may decline.

Our asset growth rate has been significantly higher than India’s gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth rate as well as the growth rate of the Indian banking industry over the last three fiscal years. For example, our total advances in the three-year period ended March 31, 2012 grew at a compounded annual growth rate of about 26%, as against slightly over 19% for the Indian banking industry for fiscal 2012. Our total advances in the three-year period ended March 31, 2013 grew at a compounded annual growth rate of about 24%.

Our rapid growth has placed, and if it continues will place, significant demands on our operational, credit, financial and other internal risk controls including:

 

   

recruiting, training and retaining sufficient skilled personnel;

 

   

upgrading and expanding our technology platform;

 

   

developing and improving our products and delivery channels;

 

   

preserving our asset quality as our geographical presence increases and customer profile changes;

 

   

complying with regulatory requirements such as the Know Your Customer (“KYC”) norms; and

 

   

maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

The growth in our business is partly attributable to the expansion of our branch network. As at March 31, 2008, we had a branch network comprised of 761 branches, which increased to 3,062 as at March 31, 2013. We need to seek permission from the RBI before we can open a branch in locations with a population greater than 100,000. This permission, among other factors, is dependent on the number of branches that we have opened in under-banked or un-banked areas of the country as well as in centers with a population below 100,000. Additionally, the RBI considers our performance in the areas of priority sector lending, financial inclusion and customer service. If we are unable to perform in a manner satisfactory to the RBI in any of the above areas, it may have an impact on the number of branches we will be able to open and would in turn have an impact on our future growth.

If we fail to properly manage our rapid growth, our operations would suffer and our performance as a whole would be materially adversely affected.

Our business is particularly vulnerable to interest rate risk and volatility in interest rates could adversely affect our net interest margin, the value of our fixed income portfolio, our treasury income and our financial performance.

Our results of operations depend to a great extent on our net interest revenue. During fiscal 2013, net interest revenue after allowances for credit losses represented 68.9% of our net revenue. Changes in market interest rates affect the interest rates charged on our interest-earning assets differently from the interest rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities and also affect the value of our investments. An increase in interest rates could result in an increase in interest expense relative to interest revenue if we are not able to increase the rates charged on our loans, which would lead to a reduction in our net interest revenue and net interest margin. Further, an increase in interest rates could negatively affect demand for our loans and credit substitutes and we may not be able to achieve our volume growth, which could adversely affect our net income. A decrease in interest rates could result in a decrease in interest revenue relative to interest expense due to the repricing of our loans at a pace faster than the rates we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. The quantum of the changes in interest rates for our assets and liabilities may also be different.

Interest rates in India have declined during fiscal 2013 as a result of the RBI’s monetary policies, receding fiscal slippage and sovereign risk and further liberalization of domestic bond markets. The yield on the Indian government’s ten-year bonds was 8.0%, 8.6% and 8.1% as of March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. While the first few months of fiscal 2014 continued to see a decline in interest rates, there was an increase in interest rates in July 2013 as a result of the RBI’s monetary policy to restore stability to the Indian rupee in the foreign exchange market. As a result, we may change interest rates in the future. Any volatility in interest rates could also adversely affect our net income. See “Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Changes in Interest Revenue and Interest Expense: Volume and Rate” and “Selected Statistical Information—Yields, Spreads and Margins”.

 

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If the level of non-performing loans in our portfolio increases, we will be required to increase our provisions, which would negatively impact our income.

Our gross non-performing loans and impaired credit substitutes represented 0.8% of our gross customer assets as of March 31, 2013. Our non-performing loans and impaired credit substitutes net of specific loan loss provisions represented 0.2% of our net customer assets portfolio as of March 31, 2013. We have restructured the payment terms of certain loans. As of March 31, 2013 these represented 0.1% of our gross customer assets. Our management of credit risk involves having appropriate credit policies, underwriting standards, approval processes, loan portfolio monitoring, remedial management and overall architecture for managing credit risk. In the case of our secured loan portfolio, the frequency of the valuation of collateral may vary based on the nature of the loan and the type of collateral. A decline in the value of collateral or an inappropriate collateral valuation increases the risk in the secured loan portfolio because of inadequate coverage of collateral. As of March 31, 2013, approximately 77% of our loan book was partially or fully secured by collateral. Our risk mitigation and risk monitoring techniques may not be accurate or appropriately implemented and we may not be able to anticipate future economic and financial events, leading to an increase in our non-performing loans. “See note 10—Loans” in our consolidated financial statements.

Provisions are created by a charge to expense, and represent our estimate for loan losses and risks inherent in the credit portfolio. See “Selected Statistical Information—Non-Performing Loans”. The determination of an appropriate level of loan losses and provisions required inherently involves a degree of subjectivity and requires that we make estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Our provisions may not be adequate to cover any further increase in the amount of non-performing loans or any further deterioration in our non-performing loan portfolio. In addition, we are a relatively young bank operating in a growing economy and we have yet not experienced a significant and prolonged downturn in the economy.

A number of factors outside of our control affect our ability to control and reduce non-performing loans. These factors include developments in the Indian economy, domestic or global turmoil, global competition, changes in interest rates and exchange rates and changes in regulations, including with respect to regulations requiring us to lend to certain sectors identified by the RBI, or the Government of India. These factors coupled with other factors such as volatility in commodity markets and declining business and consumer confidence and decreases in business and consumer spending could impact the operations of our customers and in turn impact their ability to fulfill their obligations under the loans granted to them by us. In addition, the expansion of our business may cause our non-performing loans to increase and the overall quality of our loan portfolio to deteriorate. If our non-performing loans increase, we will be required to increase our provisions, which would result in our net income being less than it otherwise would be and would adversely affect our financial condition.

We have high concentrations of exposures to certain customers and sectors and if any of these exposures were to become non-performing, the quality of our portfolio could be adversely affected and our ability to meet capital requirements could be jeopardized.

We calculate customer and industry exposure (i.e. the loss we will incur due to the downfall of a customer or an industry) in accordance with the policies established by RBI, computed based on our Indian GAAP financial statements. In the case of customer exposures, we aggregate the higher of the outstanding balances of, or limits on, funded and non-funded exposures. Funded exposures include loans and investments (excluding investments in government securities, units of mutual funds, deposit certificates issued by banks and equity shares). As of March 31, 2013, our largest single customer exposure was Rs. 107.1 billion, representing 23.6% of our capital funds valuation, and our ten largest customer exposures totaled Rs. 455.2 billion, representing 100.2% of our capital funds valuation, in each case computed in accordance with RBI guidelines. None of our ten largest customer exposures were classified as non-performing as on March 31, 2013. However, if any of our ten largest customer exposures were to become non-performing, our net income would decline and, due to the magnitude of the exposures, our ability to meet capital requirements could be jeopardized. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a detailed discussion on customer exposures. As of March 31, 2013, our largest industry concentrations, in each case based on RBI guidelines, were as follows: banks and financial institutions 5.9%, wholesale trade 6.9% and land transport 5.1%. In addition, as of March 31, 2013, 37.5% of the concentration of our exposures was retail (except where otherwise included in the above classification). Industry-specific difficulties in these or other sectors may increase our level of non-performing customer assets. If we experience a downturn in an industry in which we have concentrated exposure, our net income will likely decline significantly and our financial condition may be materially adversely affected. As of March 31, 2013, our total non-performing loans and credit substitutes in accordance with US GAAP were concentrated in the following industries: land transport (6.2)%, NBFC/financial intermediaries (5.3%), textiles and garments (4.3%), wholesale trade (3.8%) and information technology (2.9%).

 

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We are required to undertake directed lending under RBI guidelines. Consequently, we may experience a higher level of non-performing assets in our directed lending portfolio, which could adversely impact the quality of our loan portfolio, our business and the price of our equity shares and ADSs. Further, in the case of any shortfall in complying with these requirements, we may be required to invest in deposits of Indian development banks as directed by the RBI. These deposits yield low returns, thereby impacting our profitability.

The RBI prescribes guidelines on priority sector lending in India. Under these guidelines banks in India are required to lend 40.0% of their adjusted net bank credit (“ANBC”) or the credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet exposures (“CEOBE”), whichever is higher, as defined by the RBI and computed in accordance with Indian GAAP figures to certain eligible sectors categorized as priority sectors. The priority sector requirements must be met as of March 31 of the fiscal year with reference to the higher of the ANBC and the CEOBE of the previous fiscal year. Of the total priority sector advances, agricultural advances are required to be 18.0% of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher, and of this, indirect lending in excess of 4.5% of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher, is not taken into consideration for computing achievement of the 18.0% target. However, all agricultural loans under the categories ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ are taken into consideration for computing achievement of the overall priority sector target of 40.0%. Advances to sections termed “weaker” by the RBI are required to be 10.0% of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher. The balance of the priority sector lending requirement can be met by lending directly or indirectly to a range of sectors, including small businesses and residential mortgages satisfying certain criteria.

In the case of non-achievement of priority sector lending targets, we are required to invest in deposits of Indian development banks, such as the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Small Industries Development Bank of India, as may be directed by the RBI. The amount to be deposited, interest rates on such deposits and periods of deposits, and other terms, are determined by the RBI from time to time. The interest rates on such deposits may be lower than the interest rates which the Bank would have obtained by investing these funds at its discretion. Additionally, as per RBI guidelines, non-achievement of priority sector targets and sub-targets will be taken into account by RBI when granting regulatory clearances/approvals for various purposes.

We may experience a higher level of non-performing assets in our directed lending portfolio, particularly in loans to the agricultural sector, small enterprises and weaker sections, where we are less able to control the portfolio quality and where economic difficulties are likely to affect our borrowers more severely. Our gross non-performing assets in the directed lending sector as a percentage to gross loans were 0.3% as of March 31, 2013 (as compared to 0.4% and 0.3% as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively)

Future changes by the RBI in the directed lending norms may result in our inability to meet the priority sector lending requirements as well as require us to increase our lending to relatively more risky segments and may result in an increase in non-performing loans.

We may be unable to foreclose on collateral in a timely fashion or at all when borrowers default on their obligations to us, or the value of collateral may decrease, any of which may result in failure to recover the expected value of collateral security, increased losses and a decline in net income.

Although we typically lend on a cash-flow basis, many of our loans are secured by collateral, which consists of liens on inventory, receivables and other current assets, and in some cases, charges on fixed assets, such as property, movable assets (such as vehicles) and financial assets (such as marketable securities). As of March 31, 2013, approximately 77% of our loans were partially or fully secured by collateral. We may not be able to realize the full value of the collateral, due to, among other things, stock market volatility, changes in economic policies of the Indian government, obstacles and delays in legal proceedings, borrowers and guarantors not being traceable, the Bank’s records of borrowers’ and guarantors addresses being ambiguous or outdated and defects in the perfection of collateral and fraudulent transfers by borrowers. In the event that a specialized regulatory agency gains jurisdiction over the borrower, creditor actions can be further delayed. In addition, the value of collateral may be less than we expect or may decline. For example, the global economic slowdown and other domestic factors had led to a downturn in real estate prices in India. If we are unable to foreclose on our collateral or realize adequate value, our losses will increase and our net income will decline. In addition, if a company becomes a “sick unit” (as defined under Indian law, which provides for a unit to be so categorized based on the extent of its accumulated losses relative to its stockholders’ equity), foreclosure and enforceability of collateral is stayed. The RBI has set forth guidelines on Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR) via the corporate debt restructuring cell. The guidelines envisage that for debt amounts of Rs. 0.1 billion and above, 60% of the creditors by number, in addition to 75% of creditors by value, can decide to restructure the debt and such a decision would be binding on the remaining creditors. In situations where we own 20% or less of the debt of a borrower, we could be forced to agree to an extended restructuring of debt, instead of foreclosure of security or a one-time settlement, which has generally been our practice. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments—Commercial Commitments”.

Our success depends in large part upon our management team and skilled personnel and our ability to attract and retain such persons.

We are highly dependent on our management team, including the efforts of our Chairman, our Managing Director, our Executive Directors and members of our senior management. Our future performance is dependent on the continued service of these persons. We also face a continuing challenge to recruit and retain a sufficient number of skilled personnel, particularly if we continue to grow. Competition for management and other skilled personnel in our industry is intense, and we may not be able to attract and retain the personnel we need in the future. The loss of key personnel may restrict our ability to grow and consequently have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position.

 

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Our unsecured loan portfolio is not supported by any collateral that could help ensure repayment of the loan, and in the event of non-payment by a borrower of one of these loans, we may be unable to collect the unpaid balance.

We offer unsecured personal loans and credit cards to the retail customer segment, including salaried individuals and self-employed professionals. In addition, we offer unsecured loans to small businesses and individual businessmen. Unsecured loans are a greater credit risk for us than our secured loan portfolio because they may not be supported by realizable collateral that could help ensure an adequate source of repayment for the loan. Although we normally obtain direct debit instructions or postdated checks from our customers for our unsecured loan products, we may be unable to collect in part or at all in the event of non-payment by a borrower. Further, any expansion in our unsecured loan portfolio could require us to increase our provision for credit losses, which would decrease our earnings. Also see “Business—Retail Banking—Retail Loans and Other Asset Products”.

In order to support and grow our business, we must maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio, and a lack of access to the capital markets may prevent us from maintaining an adequate ratio.

The RBI requires a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 9% of our total risk-weighted assets. We adopted the Basel II framework as of March 31, 2009. Our capital adequacy ratio, calculated in accordance with Indian GAAP, was 16.8% as of March 31, 2013 as per Basel II (as compared to 16.5% and 16.2% as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, respectively). Our ability to support and grow our business would be limited by a declining capital adequacy ratio. While we anticipate accessing the capital markets to offset declines in our capital adequacy ratio, we may be unable to access the markets at the appropriate time or the terms of any such financing may be unattractive due to various reasons attributable to changes in the general environment, including political, legal and economic conditions.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a comprehensive reform package entitled “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems” in December 2010. In May 2012, the RBI released guidelines on implementation of Basel III capital regulations in India. The key items covered under these guidelines include: i) improving the quality, consistency and transparency of the capital base; ii) enhancing risk coverage; iii) graded enhancement of the total capital requirement; iv) introduction of capital conservation buffer and countercyclical buffer; and v) supplementing the risk-based capital requirement with a leverage ratio. One of the major changes proposed by the Basel III capital regulations is that the Tier 1 capital will predominantly consist of common equity of the banks which includes common shares, reserves and stock surplus. Innovative instruments and perpetual non-cumulative preference shares will not be considered a part of Common Equity Tier I capital. Basel III also defines criteria for instruments to be included in Tier 2 capital to improve their loss absorbency. The guidelines also set-out criteria for loss absorption through conversion/write-off of all non-common equity regulatory capital instruments at the point of non-viability. The point of non-viability is defined as a trigger event upon the occurrence of which non-common equity Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruments issued by banks in India may be required to be, at the option of the RBI, written off or converted into common equity. The capital requirement including the capital conservation buffer will be 11.5% (against the current requirement of 9%) once these guidelines are fully phased-in. The transitional arrangements began from April 1, 2013 and the guidelines will be fully phased-in and implemented as of March 31, 2018. Our ability to support and grow our business could be adversely affected if we are unable to meet with the revised requirements.

Material changes in Indian banking regulations may adversely affect our business and our future financial performance.

We operate in a highly regulated environment in which the RBI extensively supervises and regulates all banks. Our business could be directly affected by any changes in policies for banks in respect of directed lending, reserve requirements and other areas. For example, the RBI could change its methods of enforcing directed lending standards so as to require more lending to certain sectors, which could require us to change certain aspects of our business. In addition, we could be subject to other changes in laws and regulations, such as those affecting the extent to which we can engage in specific businesses or those that reduce our income through a cap on either fees or interest rates chargeable to our customers or those affecting foreign investment in the banking industry, as well as changes in other governmental policies and enforcement decisions, income tax laws, foreign investment laws and accounting principles. Laws and regulations governing the banking sector may change in the future and any changes may adversely affect our business, our future financial performance and the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

 

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Our business is highly competitive, which makes it challenging for us to offer competitive prices to retain existing customers and solicit new business, and our strategy depends on our ability to compete effectively.

We face strong competition in all areas of our business, and some of our competitors are much larger than we are. We compete directly with the large public sector banks, which generally have much larger customer, asset and deposit bases, larger branch networks and more capital than we do. These banks are becoming more competitive as they improve their customer services and technology. One of the other private sector banks in India is also larger than we are, based on such measurements. In addition, we compete directly with foreign banks, which include some of the largest multinational financial companies in the world. The economies of scale that our larger competitors benefit from, make it difficult for us to offer competitive pricing on products and services to retain existing customers and attract new customers so that we can execute our growth strategy successfully. In February 2013, the RBI issued guidelines for the entry of new banks in the private sector, including eligibility criteria, capital requirements, shareholding structure, business plan and corporate governance practices. The RBI has received 26 applications for new bank licenses including from some of the largest business groups in India. Further liberalization of the Indian financial sector could lead to a greater presence or new entries of Indian and foreign banks offering a wider range of products and services, which could adversely impact our competitive environment. Due to competitive pressures, we may be unable to successfully execute our growth strategy and offer products and services at reasonable returns and this may adversely impact our business. If we are unable to retain and attract new customers, our revenue and net income will decline, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition. See “Business—Competition”.

Our funding is primarily short-and medium-term and if depositors do not roll over deposited funds upon maturity our net income may decrease.

Most of our funding requirements are met through short-term and medium-term funding sources, primarily in the form of retail deposits. Short-term deposits are those with a maturity not exceeding one year. Medium-term deposits are those with a maturity of greater than one year but not exceeding three years. See “Selected Statistical Information—Funding”. However, a portion of our assets have long-term maturities, which sometimes causes funding mismatches. As of March 31, 2013, about 40% of our loans are expected to mature within the next one year and about 45% of our loans are expected to mature between the next one to three years. As of March 31, 2013, about 30% of our deposits are expected to mature within the next one year and about 43% of our deposits are expected to mature between the next one to three years. In our experience, a substantial portion of our customer deposits has been rolled over upon maturity and has been, over time, a stable source of funding. However, if a substantial number of our depositors do not roll over deposited funds upon maturity, our liquidity position will be adversely affected and we may be required to seek more expensive sources of funding to finance our operations, which would result in a decline in our net income and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Any increase in interest rates would have an adverse effect on the value of our fixed income securities portfolio and could have a material adverse effect on our net income.

Any increase in interest rates would have an adverse effect on the value of our fixed income securities portfolio and could have a material adverse effect on our net revenue. Policy rates were successively increased from February 2010 to March 2012 during which the bout of interest rate tightening in India was faster than many other economies. The RBI raised key policy rates from 5.25% (repo rate) in April 2010 to 8.5% in October 2011. However, key policy rates have been eased since April 2012 from 8.0% (repo rate) to 7.25% in May 2013. In July 2013, the RBI increased the rate for borrowings under its marginal standing facility (introduced by the RBI in fiscal 2012) from 100 basis points to 300 basis points above the repo rate. As a result of certain reserve requirements of the RBI, we are more structurally exposed to interest rate risk than banks in many other countries. See “Supervision and Regulation – Legal Reserve Requirements”. These requirements result in us maintaining (as per extant RBI guidelines currently in force) at least 23% of our liabilities (computed as per guidelines issued by the RBI) in Government issued bonds. We are also required to maintain 4% of our liabilities (computed as per guidelines issued by RBI) by way of a balance with the RBI. We could be adversely impacted by a rise in interest rates, especially if the rise were sudden or sharp. A rise in yields on fixed income securities, including government securities, will impact our profitability. The above requirements would also have a negative impact on our net interest income and net interest margins since interest earned on our investments in government issued securities is generally lower than that earned on our other interest earning assets.

The development of a well entrenched nationwide inter-bank settlement system would adversely impact our cash float and decrease fees we receive in connection with check collection.

Currently, there is no well entrenched nationwide payment system in India, and checks must generally be returned to the city from which they were written in order to be cleared. Because of mail delivery delays and the variation in city-based inter-bank clearing practices, check collections can be slow and unpredictable. Through our electronically linked branch network, correspondent bank arrangements and centralized processing, we effectively provide a nationwide collection and disbursement system for our corporate clients. We enjoy cash float and earn fees from these services. In 2005, the RBI introduced the RTGS inter-bank settlement system which facilitates real time settlements primarily between banks. The development of a robust payments system would have an adverse impact on the cash float and fees we have enjoyed from our cash management services, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition.

 

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We could experience a decline in our revenue generated from activities on the equity markets if there is a prolonged or significant downturn on the Indian stock exchanges, or we may face difficulties in getting regulatory approvals necessary to conduct our business if we fail to meet regulatory limits on capital market exposures.

We provide a variety of services and products to participants involved with the Indian stock exchanges. These include working capital funding and margin guarantees to share brokers, personal loans secured by shares and initial public offering finance for retail customers, stock exchange clearing services, collecting bankers to various public offerings and depositary accounts. If there is a prolonged or significant downturn on the Indian stock exchanges, our revenue generated by offering these products and services may decrease, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We are required to maintain our capital market exposures within the limits as prescribed by the RBI. Our capital market exposures are comprised primarily of investments in equity shares, loans to share brokers and financial guarantees issued to stock exchanges on behalf of share brokers.

As per RBI norms, a bank’s capital market exposure is limited to 40% of its net worth under Indian GAAP, both on a consolidated and non-consolidated basis. Our capital market exposure as of March 31, 2013 was 26.4% of our net worth on a non-consolidated basis and 26.7% on a consolidated basis. See “Supervision and Regulation—Regulations Relating to Capital Market Exposure Limits”. In the future if we fail to meet these regulatory limits, we may face difficulties in getting other regulatory approvals necessary to conduct business in the normal course, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

Significant fraud, system failure or calamities would disrupt our revenue generating activities in the short-term and could harm our reputation and adversely impact our revenue-generating capabilities.

Our business is highly dependent on our ability to efficiently and reliably process a high volume of transactions across numerous locations and delivery channels. We place heavy reliance on our technology infrastructure for processing this data and therefore ensuring system security and availability is of paramount importance. Our systemic and operational controls may not be adequate to prevent adverse impact from frauds, errors, hacking and system failures. A significant system breakdown or system failure caused due to intentional or unintentional acts would have an adverse impact on our revenue-generating activities and lead to financial loss. Our reputation could be adversely affected by fraud committed by employees, customers or outsiders, or by our perceived inability to properly manage fraud-related risks. Our inability or perceived inability to manage these risks could lead to enhanced regulatory oversight and scrutiny. We have established a geographically remote disaster recovery site to support critical applications, and we believe that we will be able to restore data and resume processing. However it may take considerable time to make the system fully operational and achieve complete business resumption using the alternate site. Therefore, in such a scenario, where the primary site is completely unavailable, there may be significant disruption to our operations, which would materially adversely affect our reputation and financial condition.

Our business and financial results could be impacted materially by adverse results in legal proceedings.

We establish reserves for legal claims when payments associated with claims become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. We may still incur legal costs for a matter even if we have not established a reserve. In addition, the actual cost of resolving a legal claim may be substantially higher than any amounts reserved for that matter. The ultimate resolution of any pending or future legal proceeding, depending on the remedy sought and granted, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We have recently been subject to a penalty imposed by the RBI. Any regulatory investigations, fines, sanctions, and requirements relating to conduct of business and financial crime could negatively affect our business and financial results, or cause serious reputational harm.

The RBI is empowered under the Banking Regulation Act, to impose penalties on banks and their employees to enforce applicable regulatory requirements. In June 2013, the RBI imposed a penalty of Rs. 45 million on the Bank for certain irregularities and violations discovered by the RBI, namely, non-observance of certain safeguards in respect of arrangement of “at par” payment of checks drawn by cooperative banks, exceptions in periodic review of risk profiling of account holders, non-adherence to KYC rules for walk-in customers (non-customers) including for sale of third party products, sale of gold coins for cash in excess of Rs. 50,000 in certain cases and non-submission of proper information required by the RBI. The penalty was imposed pursuant to a scrutiny by the RBI of our books of accounts, internal control, compliance systems and processes during March and April 2013. See “Supervision and Regulation—Penalties”. We cannot predict the initiation or outcome of any further investigations by other authorities or different investigations by the RBI. The penalty imposed by the RBI has generated adverse publicity for our business. Such adverse publicity, or any future scrutiny, investigation, inspection or audit which could result in fines, public reprimands, damage to reputation, significant time and attention from our management, costs for investigations and remediation of affected customers, may materially adversely affect our business and financial results.

 

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Negative publicity could damage our reputation and adversely impact our business and financial results.

Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative publicity, is inherent in our business. The reputation of the financial services industry in general has been closely monitored as a result of the financial crisis and other matters affecting the financial services industry. Negative public opinion about the financial services industry generally or us specifically could adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers, and expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Negative publicity can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and related disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer information, and actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to that conduct. Although we take steps to minimize reputation risk in dealing with customers and other constituencies, we, as a large financial services organization with a high industry profile, are inherently exposed to this risk.

Cyber threats, such as phishing and trojans, could intrude into our network for data theft or to seek sensitive information, which may cause damage to our reputation and adversely impact our business and financial results.

We offer internet banking services to our customers. Our internet banking channel includes multiple services such as electronic funds transfer, bill payment services, usage of credit cards on-line, requesting account statements, and requesting check books. We are therefore exposed to cyber threats, such as phishing and trojans, targeting our customers, wherein fraudsters send unsolicited mails to our customers seeking account sensitive information, hacking, wherein hackers seek to hack into our website with the primary intention of causing a reputational damage to us, and data theft, wherein cyber criminals may intrude into our network with the intention of stealing our data or information. The level of hacking attempts continues to increase. We, as a large financial services organization with a high industry profile, are inherently exposed to this risk.

HDFC Limited controls a significant percentage of our share capital and exercises substantial influence over board decisions, which could result in HDFC Limited making decisions or foregoing opportunities to benefit HDFC Limited that restrict our growth and harm our financial condition.

HDFC Limited and its subsidiaries owned 22.8% of our equity as of March 31, 2013. So long as HDFC Limited and its subsidiaries hold at least a 20% equity stake in us, HDFC Limited is entitled to nominate two directors including our Chairman and Managing Director who are not required to retire by rotation to our board, subject to RBI approval. Our current Chairman and Managing Director were nominated by HDFC Limited and appointed with the approval of our shareholders and the RBI. Two of our other directors, Mr. Keki Mistry is the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Mrs. Renu Karnad, is the Managing Director of HDFC Limited. Accordingly, HDFC Limited can exercise substantial influence over our board and over matters subject to a shareholder vote. Mr. D. M. Sukthankar is the father of our Executive Director, Mr. Paresh Sukthankar, and serves as an independent director on the board of HDFC Limited. Mr. D. M. Sukthankar has been on the board of HDFC Limited since 1989. Mr. Paresh Sukthankar was one of our early employees and also a part of the initial senior management team. He was appointed as our Executive Director in October 2007. Both are associated with the respective companies in their independent professional capacities and we believe that none is in a position to exercise influence over the other.

There have been reports in the Indian media suggesting that we may merge with HDFC Limited. We consider business combination opportunities as they arise. At present, we are not actively considering a business combination with HDFC Limited. Any significant business combination would involve compliance with regulatory requirements and shareholder and regulatory approvals. Were such a combination to occur, we cannot predict the impact it would have on our business, growth prospects or the prices of our equity shares and ADSs.

We may face conflicts of interest relating to our principal shareholder, HDFC Limited, which could cause us to forgo business opportunities and consequently have an adverse effect on our financial performance.

HDFC Limited is primarily engaged in financial services, including home loans, property-related lending and deposit products. The subsidiaries and associated companies of HDFC Limited are also largely engaged in a range of financial services, including asset management, life and other insurance and mutual funds. Although we have no agreements with HDFC Limited or any other HDFC group companies that restrict us from offering products and services that are offered by them, our relationship with these companies may cause us not to offer products and services that are already offered by other HDFC group companies and may effectively prevent us from taking advantage of business opportunities. See “Related Party Transactions” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2011, 2012 and 2013 for a summary of transactions we have engaged in and strategic investments made with HDFC Limited during fiscal 2011, 2012 and 2013. Also see Note 28 – “Related party transactions”, in our consolidated financial statements. We currently distribute products of HDFC Limited and its group companies. If we forego opportunities because of our relationship with HDFC Limited, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

 

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RBI guidelines relating to ownership in private banks could discourage or prevent a change of control or other business combination involving us, such as with HDFC Limited, which could restrict the growth of our business and operations.

RBI guidelines prescribe a policy framework for the ownership and governance of private sector banks. The guidelines state that no single entity or group of entities will be permitted to own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the paid-up capital of a private sector bank without RBI approval. The implementation of such a restriction could discourage or prevent a change in control, merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us, which might be beneficial to our shareholders. The RBI’s acknowledgement is required for the acquisition or transfer of a bank’s shares, which will increase the aggregate holding (direct and indirect, beneficial or otherwise) of an individual or a group to the equivalent of 5% or more of its total paid-up capital. The RBI, when considering whether to grant an approval, may take into account all matters that it considers relevant to the application, including ensuring that shareholders whose aggregate holdings are above specified thresholds meet fitness and propriety tests. The RBI has accorded its approval for HDFC Limited to hold more than 10% of our stock. HDFC Limited’s substantial stake in us could discourage or prevent another entity from exploring the possibility of a combination with us. These obstacles to potentially synergistic business combinations could negatively impact our share price and have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete effectively with other large banks and consequently our ability to maintain and improve our financial condition.

We may face increased competition as a result of revised guidelines that relax restrictions on the presence of foreign banks in India and a proposal by the RBI to grant fresh banking licenses for the establishment of new banks in the private sector which could cause us to lose existing business or be unable to compete effectively for new business.

The Government of India regulates foreign ownership in private sector banks. Foreign ownership up to 74% of the paid-up capital is permitted in Indian private sector banks, however, under the Banking Regulation Act, a shareholder cannot exercise voting rights in excess of 10% of the total voting rights. The RBI, on February 28, 2005, released a “Roadmap for Presence of Foreign Banks in India and Guidelines on ownership and Governance in Private Sector Banks” (the “Roadmap”).

The Roadmap envisages two phases. During the first phase, between March 2005 and March 2009, foreign banks were permitted to establish their presence in India by way of setting up a wholly-owned banking subsidiary (“WOS”) or converting their existing branches into a WOS. The WOS must have minimum capital of Rs. 3 billion and ensure sound corporate governance.

Initially, equity participation by banks would be permitted only in the private sector banks that are identified by the RBI for restructuring. On an application made by a foreign bank for acquisition of 5% or more in any private bank, the RBI would consider the standing and reputation of the foreign bank and shall permit such acquisition only if it is satisfied that the investment by such foreign bank is in the long-term interest of all the stakeholders of the investee bank.

It was proposed that in the second phase, beginning April 2009, the RBI would allow foreign banks to acquire up to 74% of equity capital in private sector banks in India, and would also enact appropriate amendments to the Banking Regulation Act to provide for voting rights commensurate with economic ownership. However, in light of the global financial turmoil and concerns regarding financial strength of banks around the world, the RBI decided to put on hold the second phase of the Roadmap and leave unchanged its policy on the presence of foreign banks in the country. While announcing its annual policy for fiscal 2010, the RBI said that it would continue with the current policy and procedures governing the presence of foreign banks in India. A review will happen once there is greater clarity regarding stability, recovery of the global financial system, and a shared understanding on the regulatory and supervisory architecture around the world. In January 2011, the RBI released a discussion paper on the presence of foreign banks in India, seeking comments and suggestions. Any growth in the presence of foreign banks or in foreign investments in Indian banks may increase the competition that we face and as a result have a material adverse effect on our business. See “Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities”.

In February 2013, the RBI released guidelines for licensing of new banks in the private sector. The key items covered under these guidelines include: i) promoters eligible to apply for banking licenses; ii) corporate structure; iii) minimum capital requirements for new banks; iv) foreign shareholding cap; v) corporate governance; and vi) business plan. The RBI has permitted private sector entities owned and controlled by Indian residents and entities in the public sector in India to apply to the RBI for a license to operate a bank through a wholly owned non-operative financial holding company route, subject to compliance with certain specified criteria. Such a non-operative financial holding company is permitted to be the holding company of the bank as well as any other financial services entity, with the objective that the holding company ring fences the regulated financial services entities in the group, including the bank from other activities of the group. The RBI specified July 1, 2013 as the deadline for submission of applications for setting up new banks in the private sector, subsequent to which the RBI shall review the applications and provide an in-principle approval. The validity of an in-principle approval issued by RBI will be 18 months from the date of its issue, after which it will lapse automatically. The new bank will therefore have to be set up within this 18-month period. The RBI has received 26 applications for new bank licenses, including from some of the largest business groups in India. If the number of banks in the country increases, we will face increased competition in the businesses we operate in. This could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

 

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Delays in obtaining prior RBI approval for opening new branches to increase our infrastructure and expand our reach into different geographical segments will restrict our expansion plans and have a negative impact on our future financial performance by preventing us from realizing anticipated revenue from the new branches.

The RBI issued a master circular on July 1, 2009, incorporating the instructions and guidelines issued to banks on branch authorization. Pursuant to the master circular, the process by which the RBI authorized the opening of individual branches on a case-by-case basis was replaced by a system of aggregated approvals on an annual basis. While processing authorization requests, the RBI gives importance to the nature and scope of banking services, particularly in under-banked areas, actual credit flow to priority sectors, pricing of products, overall efforts to promote financial inclusion, the need to induce enhanced competition in the banking sector, the bank’s regulatory compliance, quality of corporate governance, risk management and relationships with subsidiaries and affiliates.

We have applied for branches under the policy in the past and obtained approvals for opening branches under the policy. See “Supervision and Regulation—Regulation Relating to the Opening of Branches”. However, we may not receive licenses promptly or at all, and any prolonged delay in the receipt of such licenses will adversely affect our financial performance by preventing us from realizing anticipated revenue from the new branches.

If the goodwill recorded in connection with our recent acquisitions becomes impaired, we may be required to record impairment charges, which would decrease our net income and total assets.

In accordance with US GAAP, we have accounted for our acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. We recorded the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired companies as goodwill. US GAAP requires us to test goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill is tested by initially estimating fair value of the reporting unit and then comparing it against the carrying amount including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we are required to record an impairment loss. The amount of impairment and the remaining amount of goodwill, if any, is determined by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit as of the test date against the fair value of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit as of the same date. See Note 2u-“Business Combination”, in our consolidated financial statements.

Many of our branches have been recently added to our branch network and are not operating with the same efficiency as compared to the rest of our existing branches, which adversely affects our profitability.

As at March 31, 2010, we had 1,725 branches, which included more than 400 branches acquired pursuant to the merger of Centurion Bank of Punjab with HDFC Bank Limited effective May 23, 2008. We have continued to grow organically by commissioning new branches. As at March 31, 2013, we had 3,062 branches, a significant increase in the number of branches. Some of the newly added branches are currently operating at a lower efficiency level as compared with our established branches. While we believe that the newly added branches will achieve the productivity benchmark set for our entire network over time, the success in achieving our benchmark level of efficiency and productivity will depend on various internal and external factors, some of which are not under our control. The sub-optimal performance of the newly added branches, if continued over an extended period of time, would have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Deficiencies in accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties may adversely impact us.

We rely on accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties while carrying out transactions with them or on their behalf. We may also rely on representations as to the accuracy and completeness of such information. For example, we may rely on reports of independent auditors with respect to financial statements, and decide to extend credit based on the assumption that the customer’s audited financial statements conform to generally accepted accounting principles and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted by such reliance on information that is inaccurate or materially misleading. The nationwide credit bureau has only recently become operational in India. This may affect the quality of information available to us about the credit history of our borrowers, especially individuals and small businesses. As a consequence, our ability to effectively manage our credit risk may be adversely affected.

 

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Risks Relating to Investments in Indian Companies

A slowdown in economic growth in India would cause us to experience slower growth in our asset portfolio and deterioration in the quality of our assets.

Our performance and the quality and growth of our assets are necessarily dependent on the health of the overall Indian economy. The global slowdown of the financial market and economies had contributed and may continue to cause a slowdown in the Indian financial and economic environment, with attendant higher unemployment rates and decreases in purchasing power. While the domestic economy started witnessing an overall improvement in the general financial and economic conditions, we have begun to witness a reversal on account of high inflation and turbulence in interest rates. These conditions, including global financial crisis and problems in the Eurozone countries, could result in a prolonged slowdown in the Indian economy, which would adversely affect our business, including our ability to grow our asset portfolio, the quality of our assets and our ability to implement our strategy. In particular, because India depends significantly on imported oil for its energy needs, the Indian economy is adversely affected by volatile oil prices, consequent inflation and weather conditions adversely affecting agriculture or other factors. In addition, the Indian economy is in a state of transition. The share of the services sector of the economy is rising, while that of the industrial, manufacturing and agricultural sectors is declining. Finally, India faces major challenges in sustaining its growth, which include the need for substantial infrastructure development and improving access to healthcare and education. If the Indian economy deteriorates, our asset base may erode, which would result in a material decrease in our net income and total assets.

Any adverse change in India’s credit rating by an international rating agency could adversely affect our business and profitability.

In May 2013, Standard & Poor’s, an international rating agency, reiterated its negative outlook on India’s credit rating. It identified India’s high fiscal deficit and heavy government borrowing as the most significant constraints on its ratings, and recommended the implementation of reforms and containment of deficits. In June 2013, Fitch, another international rating agency, returned India’s sovereign outlook to “stable” from “negative” a year after its initial downgrade stating that the authorities had been successful in containing the upward pressure on the central government budget deficit in the face of a weaker-than-expected economy and that the authorities had also begun to address structural factors that have weakened the investment climate and growth prospects. Any adverse change in India’s credit ratings by international rating agencies may adversely impact our business and limit our access to capital markets.

The Bank’s long term unsecured, subordinated (tier II) bonds are rated “CARE AAA” by CARE and “AAA (ind)” (with the outlook on the rating as “stable”) by Fitch Ratings India Private Limited. The Bank’s tier I perpetual bonds and upper tier II bonds are rated “CARE AAA” by CARE and “AAA / Stable” by CRISIL Ltd. Any downgrade from the current credit rating of our borrowings may result in an increase in interest rates or require us to prepay such borrowings, thereby impacting our cost of borrowing and liquidity.

Any volatility in the exchange rate may lead to a decline in India’s foreign exchange reserves and may affect liquidity and interest rates in the Indian economy, which could adversely impact us.

Capital inflows into India have suffered as a result of the domestic economic slowdown, volatility in global capital markets and global risk aversion. Meanwhile, the country’s current account gap has widened reflecting a rapid increase in the import of oil and gold. The balance of payments has, as a result, come under pressure. This has led to a sharp depreciation of the Indian rupee compared to the U.S. dollar and could keep the domestic currency unit under selling pressure amidst an uncertain global financial environment. The high and low during fiscal 2013 was Rs. 57.13 per US$ and Rs. 50.64 per US$, respectively. The Indian rupee continues to remain under pressure given the possibility of the phasing out of the quantitative easing program by the U.S. Federal Reserve that may result in global fund flows moving to the U.S. markets and anxiety about the Indian political climate ahead of the general elections scheduled to be held in 2014. Any increased intervention by the RBI in the foreign exchange market to control the volatility of the exchange rate may result in a decline in India’s foreign exchange reserves and reduced liquidity and higher interest rates in the Indian economy. Further, increased volatility in capital flows may also affect monetary policy decisions, leading to volatility in inflation and interest rates in India, which could adversely impact our business and profitability.

Political instability or changes in the government in India could delay the liberalization of the Indian economy and adversely affect economic conditions in India generally, which would impact our financial results and prospects.

Since 1991, successive Indian governments have pursued policies of economic liberalization, including significantly relaxing restrictions on the private sector. Nevertheless, the roles of the Indian central and state governments in the Indian economy as producers, consumers and regulators have remained significant. The leadership of India has changed many times since 1996. The current coalition-led central government, which came to power in May 2009, has announced policies and taken initiatives that support the economic liberalization policies that have been pursued by previous central governments. However, these liberalization policies may not continue in the future. The rate of economic liberalization is subject to change and specific laws and policies affecting banking and finance companies, foreign investment, currency exchange and other matters affecting investment in our securities are continuously evolving as well. Any significant change in India’s economic liberalization and deregulation policies would adversely affect business and economic conditions in India generally and our business in particular.

 

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Terrorist attacks, civil unrest and other acts of violence or war involving India and other countries would negatively affect the Indian market where our shares trade and lead to a loss of confidence and impair travel, which could reduce our customers’ appetite for our products and services.

Terrorist attacks, such as those in Mumbai in November 2008, and other acts of violence or war may negatively affect the Indian markets on which our equity shares trade and also adversely affect the worldwide financial markets. These acts may also result in a loss of business confidence, make travel and other services more difficult and as a result ultimately adversely affect our business. In addition, any deterioration in relations between India and Pakistan might result in investor concern about stability in the region, which could adversely affect the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

India has also witnessed civil disturbances in recent years and future civil unrest as well as other adverse social, economic and political events in India could have an adverse impact on us. Such incidents also create a greater perception that investment in Indian companies involves a higher degree of risk, which could have an adverse impact on our business and the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

Risks Relating to the ADSs and Equity Shares

Historically, our ADSs have traded at a premium to the trading prices of our underlying equity shares, a situation which may not continue.

Historically, our ADSs have traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) at a premium to the trading prices of our underlying equity shares on the Indian stock exchanges. See “Price Range of Our American Depositary Shares and Equity Shares” for the underlying data. We believe that this price premium has resulted from the relatively small portion of our market capitalization previously represented by ADSs, restrictions imposed by Indian law on the conversion of equity shares into ADSs, and an apparent preference for investors to trade dollar-denominated securities. Over time, some of the restrictions on issuance of ADSs imposed by Indian law have been relaxed and we expect that other restrictions may be relaxed in the future. It is possible that in the future our ADSs will not trade at any premium to our equity shares and could even trade at a discount to our equity shares.

Investors in ADSs will not be able to vote.

Investors in ADSs will have no voting rights, unlike holders of the equity shares. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will abstain from voting the equity shares represented by the ADSs. If you wish, you may withdraw the equity shares underlying the ADSs and seek to vote (subject to Indian restrictions on foreign ownership) the equity shares you obtain upon withdrawal. However, this withdrawal process may be subject to delays, additional costs and you may not be able to redeposit the equity shares. For a discussion of the legal restrictions triggered by a withdrawal of the equity shares from the depositary facility upon surrender of ADSs, see “Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities” and “Description of American Depository Shares—Voting Rights”.

Your ability to withdraw equity shares from the depositary facility is uncertain and may be subject to delays.

India’s restrictions on foreign ownership of Indian companies limit the number of equity shares that may be owned by foreign investors and generally require government approval for foreign investments. Investors who withdraw equity shares from the ADS depositary facility for the purpose of selling such equity shares will be subject to Indian regulatory restrictions on foreign ownership upon withdrawal. The withdrawal process may be subject to delays. For a discussion of the legal restrictions triggered by a withdrawal of equity shares from the depositary facility upon surrender of ADSs, see “Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities”.

There is a limited market for the ADSs.

Although our ADSs are listed and traded on the NYSE, any trading market for our ADSs may not be sustained, and there is no assurance that the present price of our ADSs will correspond to the future price at which our ADSs will trade in the public market. Indian legal restrictions may also limit the supply of ADSs. The only way to add to the supply of ADSs would be through an additional issuance. We cannot guarantee that a market for the ADSs will continue.

Conditions in the Indian securities market may affect the price or liquidity of our equity shares and ADSs.

The Indian securities markets are smaller and more volatile than securities markets in more developed economies. The Indian stock exchanges have in the past experienced substantial fluctuations in the prices of listed securities. Currently prices of securities listed on Indian exchanges are displaying signs of volatility linked among other factors to the uncertainty in the global markets and the rising inflationary and interest rate pressures domestically. The governing bodies of the Indian stock exchanges have from time to time imposed restrictions on trading in certain securities, limitations on price movements and margin requirements. Future fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

 

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Settlement of trades of equity shares on Indian stock exchanges may be subject to delays.

The equity shares represented by our ADSs are listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited. Settlement on these stock exchanges may be subject to delays and an investor in equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility upon surrender of ADSs may not be able to settle trades on these stock exchanges in a timely manner.

You may be subject to Indian taxes arising out of capital gains

Generally, capital gains, whether short-term or long-term, arising on the sale of the underlying equity shares in India is subject to Indian capital gains tax. Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisers and to carefully consider the potential tax consequences of an investment in ADSs. See also “Taxation”.

You may be unable to exercise preemptive rights available to other shareholders.

A company incorporated in India must offer its holders of equity shares preemptive rights to subscribe and pay for a proportionate number of shares to maintain their existing ownership percentages prior to the issuance of any new equity shares, unless these rights have been waived by at least 75.0% of the company’s shareholders present and voting at a shareholders’ general meeting. U.S. investors in our ADSs may be unable to exercise preemptive rights for our equity shares underlying our ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) is effective with respect to those rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. Our decision to file a registration statement will depend on the costs and potential liabilities associated with any registration statement as well as the perceived benefits of enabling U.S. investors in our ADSs to exercise their preemptive rights and any other factors we consider appropriate at the time. We do not commit to filing a registration statement under those circumstances. If we issue any securities in the future, these securities may be issued to the depositary, which may sell these securities in the securities markets in India for the benefit of the investors in our ADSs. There can be no assurance as to the value, if any, the depositary would receive upon the sale of these securities. To the extent that investors in our ADSs are unable to exercise preemptive rights, their proportional interests in us would be reduced.

Because the equity shares underlying our ADSs are quoted in rupees in India, you may be subject to potential losses arising out of exchange rate risk on the Indian rupee and risks associated with the conversion of rupee proceeds into foreign currency.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Indian rupee may affect the value of your investment in our ADSs. Specifically, if the relative value of the Indian rupee to the U.S. dollar declines, each of the following values will also decline:

 

   

the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Indian rupee trading price of our equity shares in India and, indirectly, the U.S. dollar trading price of our ADSs in the United States;

 

   

the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds that you would receive upon the sale in India of any equity shares that you withdraw from the depositary; and

 

   

the U.S. dollar equivalent of cash dividends, if any, paid in Indian rupees on the equity shares represented by our ADSs.

You may not be able to enforce a judgment of a foreign court against us.

We are a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of India. All our directors and members of our senior management and some of the experts named in this report are residents of India and almost all of our assets and the assets of these persons are located in India. It may not be possible for investors in our ADSs to effect service of process outside India upon us or our directors and members of our senior management and experts named in the report that are residents of India or to enforce judgments obtained against us or these persons in foreign courts predicated upon the liability provisions of foreign countries, including the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. Moreover, it is unlikely that a court in India would award damages on the same basis as a foreign court if an action were brought in India or that an Indian court would enforce foreign judgments if it viewed the amount of damages as excessive or inconsistent with Indian practice.

There may be less company information available on Indian securities markets than securities markets in developed countries.

There is a difference between the level of regulation and monitoring of the Indian securities markets and the activities of investors, brokers and other participants and that of markets in the United States and other developed economies. SEBI and the stock exchanges are responsible for improving disclosure and other regulatory standards for the Indian securities markets. SEBI has issued regulations and guidelines on disclosure requirements, insider trading and other matters. There may, however, be less publicly available information about Indian companies than is regularly made available by public companies in developed economies.

 

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PRICE RANGE OF OUR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES AND EQUITY SHARES

Our ADSs, each representing three equity shares, par value Rs. 2.0 per share, are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “HDB”. Our equity shares, including those underlying the ADSs, are listed on the National Stock Exchange under the symbol “HDFCBANK” and the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited under the code 500180. Our fiscal quarters end on June 30 of each year for the first quarter, September 30 for the second quarter, December 31 for the third quarter and March 31 for the fourth quarter.

Trading Prices of Our ADSs on the NYSE

The following table shows:

 

   

the reported high and low prices for our ADSs in U.S. dollars on the NYSE; and

 

   

the average daily trading volume for our ADSs on the NYSE.

 

     Price per ADS      Average daily ADS
trading volume
 

Fiscal

   High      Low      (Number of ADSs)  

2009

   US$ 23.9       US$ 9.0         3,459,043  

2010

     28.2        11.9         1,915,617  

2011

     38.3        25.3         1,387,241  

2012

        

First Quarter

     35.6        30.6         1,044,357  

Second Quarter

     36.8        27.5         1,037,488  

Third Quarter

     32.7        24.5         1,102,389  

Fourth Quarter

     35.9        26.6         939,853  

2013

        

First Quarter

     35.2        27.3         772,802  

Second Quarter

     37.8        31.9         602,990  

Third Quarter

     43.0        36.1         659,050  

Fourth Quarter

     42.1        36.2         762,960  

Most Recent Six Months

        

January 2013

     42.1        39.2         811,771  

February 2013

     41.2        37.6         761,521  

March 2013

     40.4        36.2         713,075  

April 2013

     42.6        35.8         795,036  

May 2013

     43.8        40.0         544,468  

June 2013

     40.6        33.9         757,025  

July 1, 2013 to July 19, 2013

     38.1        35.1         779,621  

Our shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on July 6, 2011 approved the subdivision of our one equity share having a nominal value of Rs. 10.0 each into 5 (five) equity shares having a nominal value of Rs. 2.0 each. Necessary instructions were issued to JP Morgan Chase Bank, the Depository, for the American Depository Shares (ADSs) to effect the split in the ADSs so as to ensure that the ratio between the ADSs and the underlying equity shares remains 1:3 as on the date prior to the subdivision.

The closing price for our ADSs on the NYSE was US$ 37.8 per ADS on July 19, 2013.

Trading Prices of Our Equity Shares on the National Stock Exchange

The following table shows:

 

   

the reported high and low market prices for our equity shares in rupees on the National Stock Exchange;

 

   

the imputed high and low closing sales prices for our equity shares translated into U.S. dollars; and

 

   

the average daily trading volume for our equity shares on the National Stock Exchange.

 

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     Price per
equity share
     Price per
equity share
     Average daily
equity share
trading volume
 
     High      Low      High      Low     

Fiscal Year

              

2009

     Rs. 309.6         Rs. 159.7       US$ 5.7       US$ 2.9         7,736,578  

2010

     393.1        200.0         7.2        3.7        5,339,359  

2011

     500.2        360.8         9.2        6.6        3,911,427  

2012

              

First Quarter

     505.0        441.6         9.3        8.1        3,729,841  

Second Quarter

     519.0        436.2         9.5        8.0        3,310,964  

Third Quarter

     497.0        400.3         9.1        7.3        3,726,123  

Fourth Quarter

     539.9        419.5         9.9        7.7        2,941,348  

2013

              

First Quarter

     564.9        482.2         10.4        8.8        2,769,939  

Second Quarter

     638.9        560.0         11.7        10.3        2,529,868  

Third Quarter

     705.5        505.1         12.9        9.3        2,269,182  

Fourth Quarter

     690.0        602.6         12.7        11.1        3,065,430  

Most Recent Six Months

              

January 2013

     690.0        640.1         12.7        11.7        2,502,504  

February 2013

     680.9        619.4         12.5        11.4        2,990,307  

March 2013

     660.0        602.6         12.1        11.1        3,825,944  

April 2013

     702.0        613.4         12.9        11.3        3,456,262  

May 2013

     727.3        670.0         13.3        12.3        2,295,508  

June 2013

     701.4        620.0         12.9         11.4        3,051,016  

July 1, 2013 to July 19, 2013

     698.1        643.6         12.8         11.8        2,800,678  

Our shareholders, by a special resolution on July 6, 2011, approved a stock split resulting in a reduction in the par value of each equity share from Rs.10.0 to Rs. 2.0 effective as of July 16, 2011.

The closing price for our equity shares on the National Stock Exchange was Rs. 680.0 per share on July 19, 2013.

As of March 31, 2013, there were 440,853 holders of record of our equity shares, including the shares underlying ADSs and GDRs, of which 190 had registered addresses in the United States and held an aggregate of 633,881 equity shares representing 0.04% of our shareholders. In our books only, the depositories, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, are the shareholders with respect to equity shares underlying ADSs and GDRs.

Upon our acquisition of CBoP in 2008, CBoP had global depository receipts (GDRs) outstanding, representing the right to receive shares in CBoP, which, upon the consummation of the acquisition, converted into our GDRs, representing the right to receive our shares. As of March 31, 2013, there were 22,891,290 GDRs outstanding, representing 11,445,645 shares of the Bank (in the aggregate 0.5% of our paid-up capital).

 

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DESCRIPTION OF EQUITY SHARES

The Company

We are registered under Corporate Identity Number (CIN) L65920MH1994PLC080618 with the Registrar of Companies, Maharashtra State, India. Our Memorandum of Association permits us to engage in a wide variety of activities, including all the activities in which we currently engage or intend to engage, as well as other activities in which we currently have no intention of engaging.

Dividends

Under Indian law, a company pays dividends upon a recommendation by its board of directors and approval by a majority of its shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders held within six months of the end of each fiscal year. The shareholders have the right to decrease but not increase the dividend amount recommended by the board of directors. Dividends are generally declared as a percentage of par value (on per share basis) and distributed and paid to shareholders. The Companies Act provides that shares of a company of the same class must receive equal dividend treatment.

These distributions and payments are required to be deposited into a separate bank account and paid to shareholders within 30 days of the annual general meeting where the resolution for declaration of dividends is approved.

The Companies Act states that any dividends that remain unpaid or unclaimed after that period are to be transferred to a special bank account. Any money that remains unclaimed for seven years from the date of the transfer is to be transferred by us to a fund created by the Government of India. No claims for the payment of dividends unpaid or unclaimed for a period of seven years shall lie against the fund of the Government of India or against us.

Our Articles authorize our board of directors to declare interim dividends, the amount of which must be deposited in a separate bank account within five days and paid to the shareholders within 30 days of the declaration.

Under the Companies Act, final dividends payable can be paid only in cash to the registered shareholder at a record date fixed prior to the relevant annual general meeting, to his order or to the order of his banker.

Before paying any dividend on our shares, we are required under the Indian Banking Regulation Act to write off all capitalized expenses (including preliminary expenses, organization expenses, share-selling commission, brokerage, amounts of losses incurred or any other item of expenditure not represented by tangible assets). We are permitted to declare dividends of up to 35.0% of net profit calculated under Indian GAAP without prior RBI approval subject to compliance with certain prescribed requirements. Further, upon compliance with the prescribed requirements, we are also permitted to declare interim dividends subject to the above-mentioned cap computed for the relevant accounting period.

Dividends may only be paid out of our profits for the relevant year and in certain contingencies out of the reserves of the company. Before declaring dividends, we are required, under the Indian Banking Regulation Act, to transfer 25% of the balance of profits of each year to a reserve fund.

Bonus Shares

In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of current or retained earnings calculated under Indian GAAP, the Companies Act permits our board of directors, subject to the approval of our shareholders, to distribute to the shareholders, in the form of fully paid-up bonus equity shares, an amount transferred from the capital surplus reserve or legal reserve to stated capital. Bonus equity shares can be distributed only with the prior approval of the RBI. These bonus equity shares must be distributed to shareholders in proportion to the number of equity shares owned by them.

Preemptive Rights and Issue of Additional Shares

The Companies Act gives shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings unless otherwise determined by a resolution passed by three-fourths of the shareholders present and voting at a general meeting. Under the Companies Act and our Articles, in the event of an issuance of securities, subject to the limitations set forth above, we must first offer the new shares to the holders of equity shares on a fixed record date. The offer, required to be made by notice, must include:

 

   

the right, exercisable by the shareholders of record, to renounce the shares offered in favor of any other person;

 

   

the number of shares offered; and

 

   

the period of the offer, which may not be less than 15 days from the date of the offer. If the offer is not accepted, it is deemed to have been declined.

Our board of directors is permitted to distribute equity shares not accepted by existing shareholders in the manner it deems beneficial for us in accordance with our Articles. Holders of ADSs may not be able to participate in any such offer. See “Description of American Depositary Shares—Share Dividends and Other Distributions”.

 

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General Meetings of Shareholders

There are two types of general meetings of shareholders: annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings. We are required to convene our annual general meeting within six months after the end of each fiscal year. We may convene an extraordinary general meeting when necessary or at the request of a shareholder or shareholders holding on the date of the request at least 10% of our paid up capital. A general meeting is generally convened by our company secretary in accordance with a resolution of the board of directors. Written notice stating the agenda of the meeting must be given at least 21 days prior to the date set for the general meeting to the shareholders whose names are in the register at the record date. Those shareholders who are not registered at the record date do not receive notice of this meeting and are not entitled to attend or vote at this meeting.

The annual general meeting is held in Mumbai, the city in which our registered office is located. General meetings other than the annual general meeting may be held at any location if so determined by a resolution of our board of directors.

Voting Rights

A shareholder has one vote for each equity share and voting may be by a show of hands or on a poll. However, under the Indian Banking Regulation Act, on poll, a shareholder cannot exercise voting rights in excess of 10% of the total voting rights of all shareholders. The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 has been amended with effect from January 18, 2013 to provide that the RBI would have the power to increase, the limit on voting rights from 10% to 26% in a phased manner. Unless a poll is demanded by a shareholder, resolutions are adopted at a general meeting by a majority of the shareholders having voting rights present or represented. The quorum for a general meeting is five members personally present. Generally, resolutions may be passed by simple majority of the shareholders present and voting at any general meeting. However, resolutions such as an amendment to the organizational documents, commencement of a new line of business, an issue of additional equity shares without preemptive rights and reductions of share capital, require that the votes cast in favor of the resolution (whether by show of hands or on a poll) are not less than three times the number of votes, if any, cast against the resolution. As provided in our Articles, a shareholder may exercise his voting rights by proxy to be given in the form prescribed by us. This proxy, however, is required to be lodged with us at least 48 hours before the time of the relevant meeting. A shareholder may, by a single power of attorney, grant general power of representation covering several general meetings. A corporate shareholder is also entitled to nominate a representative to attend and vote on its behalf at all general meetings. The Companies Act provides for the passing of resolutions in relation to certain matters specified by the Government of India, by means of a postal ballot. ADS holders have no voting rights with respect to the deposited shares. See “Description of American Depositary Shares—Voting Rights”.

Annual Report

At least 21 days before an annual general meeting, we must circulate either a detailed or abridged version of our Indian GAAP audited financial accounts, together with the Directors’ Report and the Auditor’s Report, to the shareholders along with a notice convening the annual general meeting. We are also required under the Companies Act to make available upon the request of any shareholder our complete balance sheet and profit and loss account. Under the Companies Act, we must file with the Registrar of Companies our Indian GAAP balance sheet and profit and loss account within 30 days of the conclusion of the annual general meeting and our annual return within 60 days of the conclusion of that meeting.

Register of Shareholders, Record Dates and Transfer of Shares

The equity shares are in registered form. We maintain a register of our shareholders in Mumbai. We register transfers of equity shares on the register of shareholders upon presentation of certificates in respect of the transfer of equity shares held in physical form together with a transfer deed duly executed by the transferor and transferee. These transfer deeds are subject to stamp duty, which has been fixed at 0.25% of the transfer price.

For the purpose of determining equity shares entitled to annual dividends, the register of shareholders is closed for a period prior to the annual general meeting. The Companies Act and our listing agreements with the stock exchanges permit us, pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors and upon at least 7 days’ advance notice to the stock exchanges, to set the record date and close the register of shareholders after seven days’ public notice for not more than 30 days at a time, and for not more than 45 days in a year, in order for us to determine which shareholders are entitled to certain rights pertaining to the equity shares. Trading of equity shares and delivery of certificates in respect of the equity shares may, however, continue after the register of shareholders is closed.

 

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Transfer of Shares

Shares held through depositories are transferred in the form of book entries or in electronic form in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). These regulations provide the regime for the functioning of the depositories and the participants and set out the manner in which the records are to be kept and maintained and the safeguards to be followed in this system. Transfers of beneficial ownership of shares held through a depositary are exempt from stamp duty.

SEBI requires that our equity shares for trading and settlement purposes be in book-entry form for all investors, except for transactions that are not made on a stock exchange and transactions that are not required to be reported to the stock exchange. Transfers of equity shares in book-entry form require both the seller and the purchaser of the equity shares to establish accounts with depositary participants appointed by depositories established under the Depositaries Act, 1996. Charges for opening an account with a depositary participant, transaction charges for each trade and custodian charges for securities held in each account vary depending upon the practice of each depositary participant. Upon delivery, the equity shares shall be registered in the name of the relevant depositary on our books and this depositary shall enter the name of the investor in its records as the beneficial owner. The transfer of beneficial ownership shall be effected through the records of the depositary. The beneficial owner shall be entitled to all rights and benefits and subject to all liabilities in respect of his securities held by a depositary.

The requirement to hold the equity shares in book-entry form will apply to the ADS holders when the equity shares are withdrawn from the depositary facility upon surrender of the ADSs. In order to trade the equity shares in the Indian market, the withdrawing ADS holder will be required to comply with the procedures described above.

Our equity shares are freely transferable, subject only to the provisions of the Companies Act under which, if a transfer of equity shares contravenes the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 or the regulations issued under it or the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985, or any other similar law, the Indian Company Law Board may, on application made by us, a depositary incorporated in India, an investor, SEBI or certain other parties, direct a rectification of the register of records. It is a condition of our listing that we transfer equity shares and deliver share certificates duly endorsed for the transfer within 15 days of the date of lodgment of transfer. If a company without sufficient cause refuses to register a transfer of equity shares within two months from the date on which the instrument of transfer is delivered to the company, the transferee may appeal to the Indian Company Law Board seeking to register the transfer of equity shares. The Indian Company Law Board may, in its discretion, issue an interim order suspending the voting rights attached to the relevant equity shares before completing its investigation of the alleged contravention. Our Articles provide for certain restrictions on the transfer of equity shares, including granting power to the board of directors in certain circumstances, to refuse to register or acknowledge transfer of equity shares or other securities issued by us. Furthermore, the RBI requires us to obtain its approval before registering a transfer of equity shares in favor of a person which together with equity shares already held by him represent more than 5.0% of our share capital.

Our transfer agent, Datamatics Financial Services Limited, is located in Mumbai. Certain foreign exchange control and security regulations apply to the transfer of equity shares by a non-resident or a foreigner. See “Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities”.

Disclosure of Ownership Interest

The provisions of the Companies Act generally require beneficial owners of equity shares of Indian companies that are not holders of record to declare to the company details of the holder of record and holders of record to declare details of the beneficial owner. While it is unclear whether these provisions apply to holders of an Indian company’s ADSs, investors who exchange ADSs for equity shares are subject to this provision. Failure to comply with these provisions would not affect the obligation of a company to register a transfer of equity shares or to pay any dividends to the registered holder of any equity shares in respect of which this declaration has not been made, but any person who fails to make the required declaration may be liable for a fine of up to Rs. 1,000 for each day this failure continues. However, under the Banking Regulation Act, a registered holder of any equity shares, except in certain conditions, shall not be liable to any suit or proceeding on the ground that the title to those equity shares vests in another person.

Acquisition by the Issuer of Its Own Shares

The Companies Act permits a company to acquire its own equity shares and reduce its capital under certain circumstances. Such reduction of capital requires compliance with buy-back provisions specified in the Companies Act and by SEBI.

ADS holders will be eligible to participate in a buy-back in certain cases. An ADS holder may acquire equity shares by withdrawing them from the depositary facility and then sell those equity shares back to us. ADS holders should note that equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility may only be redeposited into the depositary facility under certain circumstances. See “Description of American Depositary Shares—Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation.”

There can be no assurance that the equity shares offered by an ADS investor in any buy-back of shares by us will be accepted by us. The position regarding regulatory approvals required for ADS holders to participate in a buy-back is not clear. ADS investors are advised to consult their Indian legal advisers prior to participating in any buy-back by us, including in relation to any regulatory approvals and tax issues relating to the buy-back.

 

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Liquidation Rights

Subject to the rights of depositors, creditors and employees, in the event of our winding up, the holders of the equity shares are entitled to be repaid the amounts of capital paid up or credited as paid up on these equity shares. All surplus assets remaining belong to the holders of the equity shares in proportion to the amount paid up or credited as paid up on these equity shares, respectively, at the commencement of the winding up.

Acquisition of the Undertaking by the Government

Under the Banking Regulation Act, the government may, after consultation with the RBI, in the interest of our depositors or banking policy or better provision of credit generally or to a particular community or area, acquire our banking business. The RBI may acquire our business if it is satisfied that we have failed to comply with the directions given to us by the RBI or that our business is being managed in a manner detrimental to the interest of our depositors. Similarly, the Government of India may also acquire our business based on a report by the RBI.

Takeover Code and Listing Agreements

Under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisitions of Shares & Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, as amended (the “Takeover Code”), upon the acquisition of shares which taken together with the shares/voting rights already held aggregates 5% or more of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a publicly listed Indian company, a purchaser is required to notify the company and all the stock exchanges on which the shares of such company are listed. Such notification is also required when a person holds 5% or more of the outstanding shares or voting rights in a target company and there is a change in his holding either due to purchase or disposal of shares of 2% or more of the outstanding shares/voting rights in the target company.

No acquisition of shares/voting rights by an acquirer in a target company which entitles the acquirer to 25% or more of such shares or voting rights is permissible unless the acquirer makes a public announcement of an open offer for acquiring the shares of the target company in the manner provided in the Takeover Code. The public announcement of an open offer is also mandatory where an acquirer who holds 25% of the shares/voting rights in the target company seeks to acquire an additional 5% or more of the shares/voting rights in the target company during any fiscal year. However, the Takeover Code applies only to shares or securities convertible into shares which carry a voting right. This provision will apply to an ADS holder only once he or she converts the ADSs into the underlying equity shares.

We have entered into listing agreements with each of the Indian stock exchanges on which our equity shares are listed. Each of the listing agreements provides that the acquirer or holder of shares/voting rights in a target company shall in terms of the “Continual Disclosure” requirements disclose to the target company and the stock exchanges the details of holdings of equity shares/voting rights if such holding of shares/voting rights is 25% or more of the outstanding shares/aggregate voting rights as at March 31 every year. The promoter of every target company shall disclose the detail of holding of equity shares/voting rights in a target company as at March 31 every year. The promoter of every company must also disclose details of shares encumbered by him in a target company as well as details of invocation of encumbered shares or any release of such encumbrance.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

American Depositary Shares

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary, issued the American Depositary Shares, or ADSs. Each ADS represents an ownership interest in three equity shares, which we have deposited with the custodian, as agent of the depositary, under the deposit agreement among ourselves, the depositary and each ADR holder. In the future, each ADS will also represent any securities, cash or other property deposited with the depositary but which it has not distributed directly to an ADR holder. The ADSs are evidenced by what is known as American Depositary Receipts or ADRs. The shareholders of the Bank at the 17 th Annual General Meeting held on July 6, 2011 approved the sub division of one (1) equity share of the Bank having a nominal value of Rs. 10.0 each into five (5) equity shares with a nominal value of Rs. 2.0 each. As a result of the same, the Bank issued additional proportionate ADSs and each ADSs represents three (3) underlying equity shares of the Bank.

The depositary’s office is located at 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, Floor 58, New York, NY 10005.

Investors may hold ADSs either directly or indirectly through their broker or other financial institution. If an investor holds ADSs directly, by having an ADS registered in his name on the books of the depositary, he is an ADR holder. This description assumes that the investor holds his ADSs directly. If an investor holds the ADSs through his broker or financial institution nominee, he must rely on the procedures of such broker or financial institution to assert the rights of an ADR holder described in this section. Investors should consult with their broker or financial institution to find out what these procedures are.

Because the depositary’s nominee will actually be the registered owner of the shares, investors must rely on it to exercise the rights of a shareholder on their behalf. The obligations of the depositary and its agents are set out in the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement and the ADSs are governed by New York law.

The following is a summary of the material terms of the deposit agreement. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to investors. For more complete information, investors should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR which contains the terms of the ADSs. Investors can read a copy of the deposit agreement which was filed as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form F-1 we filed on July 12, 2001. Investors may also obtain a copy of the deposit agreement at the Securities and Exchange Commission Office, Public Reference Room, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Investors may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

Share Dividends and Other Distributions

We may make various types of distributions with respect to our securities. The depositary has agreed to pay to the investor the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its expenses. The investor will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of underlying shares that the investor’s ADSs represent. To the extent the depositary is legally permitted, the depositary will deliver such distributions to ADR holders in proportion to their interests in the following manner:

Cash

The depositary will distribute any U.S. dollars available to it resulting from a cash dividend or other cash distribution if this is practicable and can be done in a reasonable manner. The depositary will attempt to distribute this cash in a practicable manner, and may deduct any taxes required to be withheld, any expenses of converting foreign currency and transferring funds to the United States and other expenses and adjustments. If exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert a foreign currency, investors may lose some or all of the value of the distribution.

Shares

In the case of a distribution in shares, the depositary will issue additional ADRs to evidence the number of ADSs representing such shares. Only whole ADSs will be issued. The depositary will sell any shares which would result in fractional ADSs and distribute the net proceeds to the ADR holders entitled to them.

Rights to Receive Additional Shares

In the case of a distribution of rights to subscribe for additional shares or other rights, if we provide satisfactory evidence that the depositary may lawfully distribute the rights, the depositary may arrange for ADR holders to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the rights. However, if we do not furnish that evidence or if the depositary determines it is not practical to distribute the rights, the depositary may:

 

   

sell the rights, if practicable, and distribute the net proceeds as cash, or

 

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allow the rights to lapse, in which case ADR holders will receive nothing.

We have no obligation to file a registration statement under the Securities Act in order to make any rights available to ADR holders.

Other Distributions

In the case of a distribution of securities or property other than those described above, the depositary may either:

 

   

distribute such securities or property in any manner it deems equitable and practicable,

 

   

to the extent the depositary deems distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable and practicable, sell such securities or property and distribute any net proceeds in the same way it distributes cash, or

 

   

hold the distributed property, in which case the ADSs will also represent the distributed property.

Any U.S. dollars will be distributed by checks drawn on a bank in the United States for whole dollars and cents (fractional cents will be withheld without liability for interest and added to future cash distributions).

The depositary may choose any practical method of distribution for any specific ADR holder, including the distribution of foreign currency, securities or property, or it may retain those items, without paying interest on or investing them, on behalf of the ADR holder as deposited securities.

The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADR holders.

We cannot assure investors that the depositary will be able to convert any currency at a specified exchange rate or sell any property, rights, shares or other securities at a specified price, or that any of such transactions can be completed within a specified time period.

Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation

The depositary issues ADSs upon the deposit of shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian.

Except for shares that we deposit, no shares may be deposited by persons located in India, residents of India or for, or on the account of, such persons. Under current Indian laws and regulations, the depositary cannot accept deposits of outstanding shares and issue ADRs evidencing ADSs representing such shares without prior approval of the Government of India. However, an investor who surrenders an ADS and withdraws shares may be permitted to redeposit those shares in the depositary facility in exchange for ADSs and the depositary may accept deposits of outstanding shares purchased by a non-resident of India on the local stock exchange and issue ADSs representing those shares. However, in each case, the number of shares re-deposited or deposited cannot exceed the number represented by ADSs converted into underlying shares.

Shares deposited in the future with the custodian must be accompanied by certain documents, including instruments showing that such shares have been properly transferred or endorsed to the person on whose behalf the deposit is being made. Only the following may be deposited with the depositary or custodian:

 

   

shares issued as a free distribution in respect of deposited securities;

 

   

shares subscribed for or acquired by holders from us through the exercise of rights distributed by us to such persons in respect of shares; and

 

   

securities issued by us as a result of any change in par value, subdivision, consolidation and other reclassification of deposited securities or otherwise.

We will inform the depositary if any of the shares permitted to be deposited do not rank pari passu with the shares issued in any offering and the depositary will arrange for the ADSs issuable with respect to such shares to be differentiated from those issued in such offering until such time as they rank pari passu with the shares issued in such offering.

 

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The custodian will hold all deposited shares for the account of the depositary. ADR holders thus have no direct ownership interest in the shares and only have such rights as are contained in the deposit agreement. The custodian will also hold any additional securities, property and cash received on or in substitution for the deposited shares. The deposited shares and any such additional items are referred to as “deposited securities.”

Upon each deposit of shares, receipt of related delivery documentation and compliance with the other provisions of the deposit agreement, including the payment of the fees and charges of the depositary and any taxes or other fees or charges owing, the depositary will issue an ADR or ADRs in the name of the person entitled thereto evidencing the number of ADSs to which such person is entitled. Certificated ADRs will be delivered at the depositary’s principal New York office or any other location that it may designate as its transfer office.

When an investor turns in his ADRs at the depositary’s office, the depositary will, upon payment of certain applicable fees, charges and taxes, and upon receipt of proper instructions, deliver the underlying shares in dematerialized form, for which the ADS holder will be required to open an account with a depositary participant of the National Securities Depositary Limited or Central Depositary Services (India) Limited to hold and sell the shares in dematerialized form upon payment of customary fees and expenses. See “Description of Equity Shares—Transfer of Shares.”

The depositary may only restrict the withdrawal of deposited securities in connection with:

 

   

temporary delays caused by closing the Bank’s transfer books or those of the depositary or the deposit of shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting, or the payment of dividends;

 

   

the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges; or

 

   

compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or to the withdrawal of deposited securities.

This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.

Voting Rights

Investors who hold ADRs have no voting rights with respect to the deposited equity shares. The depositary will abstain from exercising the voting rights of the deposited equity shares. The RBI examined the matter relating to the exercise of voting rights by the depositary and issued a circular dated February 5, 2007 pursuant to which the Bank furnished to the RBI a copy of its agreement with the depository. We have given an undertaking to the RBI stating that we will not recognize voting by the depositary if the vote given by the depositary is in contravention of its agreement with us and that we or the depositary will not bring about any change in our depository agreement without the prior approval of the RBI.

Equity shares which have been withdrawn from the depositary facility and transferred on our register of shareholders to a person other than the depositary or its nominee may be voted by that person. However, such shareholders may not receive sufficient advance notice of shareholder meetings to enable them to withdraw the underlying shares and vote at such meetings.

Record Dates

The depositary may fix record dates for the determination of the ADR holders who will be entitled to receive a dividend, distribution or rights, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.

Reports and Other Communications

The depositary will make available for inspection by ADR holders any written communications from us which are both received by the custodian or its nominee as a holder of deposited securities and made generally available to the holders of deposited securities. We will furnish these communications in English.

Additionally, if we make any written communications generally available to holders of our shares, including the depositary or the custodian, and the depositary or the custodian actually receives those written communications, the depositary will mail copies of them, or, at its option, summaries of them to ADR holders.

 

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Fees and Charges for Holders of American Depositary Shares

J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the depositary for our ADSs, collects fees for the issuance and cancellation of ADSs from the holders of our ADSs, or intermediaries acting on their behalf, against the deposit or withdrawal of ordinary shares in the custodian account. The depositary also collects the following fees from holders of ADRs or intermediaries acting on their behalf:

 

Category

  

Depositary actions

  

Associated fee

(a) Depositing or substituting the underlying shares    Issuing ADSs upon deposits of shares, including deposits and issuances in respect of share distributions, stock splits, rights, mergers, exchanges of securities or any other transaction or event or other distribution affecting the ADSs or the deposited shares.    US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the new shares deposited.
(b) Receiving or distributing dividends    Distribution of dividends.    US$0.02 or less per ADS (US$2.00 per 100 ADSs).
(c) Selling or exercising rights    Distribution or sale of securities.    US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof), the fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities.
(d) Withdrawing an underlying security    Acceptance of ADSs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited shares.    US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) evidenced by the shares withdrawn.
(e) Transferring, splitting or grouping receipts    Transferring, combining or grouping of depositary receipts.    US$1.50 per ADS.
(f) General depositary services, particularly those charged on an annual basis.    Other services performed by the depositary in administering the ADSs.    US$0.01 per ADS (or portion thereof) not more than once each calendar year.
(g) Other    Expenses incurred on behalf of holders in connection with:    The amount of such expenses incurred by the Depositary.
   compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating to foreign investment;   
   the depositary’s or its custodian’s compliance with applicable law, rule or regulation;   
   stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges;   
   cable, telex, facsimile transmission/delivery;   
   expenses of the depositary in connection with the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars (which are paid out of such foreign currency); or   
   any other charge payable by depositary or its agents.   

As provided in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may charge fees for making cash and other distributions to holders by deducting fees from distributable amounts or by selling a portion of the distributable property. The Depositary may generally refuse to provide services until its fees for those services are paid.

 

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Fees Paid by the Depositary to us

Direct Payments

The depositary has agreed to reimburse certain reasonable expenses related to our ADS program incurred by us in connection with the program. Under certain circumstances, including termination of our ADS program prior to June 14, 2016, we may be required to repay to the depositary amounts reimbursed in prior periods.

The table below sets forth the expenses that the Depository reimbursed to us during fiscal 2013

 

Category    Amount
reimbursed
 

Legal, accounting fees and other expenses incurred in connection with our ADS program

   US$ 1,562,739.0   

Payment of Taxes

ADR holders must pay any tax or other governmental charge payable by the custodian or the depositary on any ADS or ADR, deposited security or distribution. If an ADR holder owes any tax or other governmental charge, the depositary may:

 

   

deduct the amount thereof from any cash distributions, or

 

   

sell deposited securities and deduct the amount owing from the net proceeds of such sale.

In either case the ADR holder remains liable for any shortfall. Additionally, if any tax or governmental charge is unpaid, the depositary may also refuse to effect any registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of deposited securities or withdrawal of deposited securities (except under limited circumstances mandated by securities regulations). If any tax or governmental charge is required to be withheld on any non-cash distribution, the depositary may sell the distributed property or securities to pay such taxes and distribute any remaining net proceeds to the ADR holders entitled to them.

Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers

If we take certain actions that affect the deposited securities, including (1) any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, cancellation or other reclassification of deposited securities or (2) any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, then the depositary may choose to:

 

   

amend the form of ADR;

 

   

distribute additional or amended ADRs;

 

   

distribute cash, securities or other property it has received in connection with such actions;

 

   

sell any securities or property received and distribute the proceeds as cash; or

 

   

take no action.

If the depositary does not choose any of the above options, any of the cash, securities or other property it receives will constitute part of the deposited securities and each ADS will then represent a proportionate interest in such property.

Amendment and Termination

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADSs without the consent of ADR holders for any reason. ADR holders must be given at least 30 days notice of any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or affects any substantial existing right of ADR holders. If an ADR holder continues to hold an ADR or ADRs after being notified of these changes, the ADR holder is deemed to agree to such amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an amendment can become effective before notice is given if this is necessary to ensure compliance with a new law, rule or regulation.

 

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No amendment will impair an ADR holder’s right to surrender its ADSs and receive the underlying securities. If a governmental body adopts new laws or rules which require the deposit agreement or the ADS to be amended, the Bank and the depositary may make the necessary amendments, which could take effect before an ADR holder receives notice thereof.

The depositary may terminate the deposit agreement by giving the ADR holders at least 30 days prior notice, and it must do so at our request. After termination, the depositary’s only responsibility will be (i) to deliver deposited securities to ADR holders who surrender their ADRs, and (ii) to hold or sell distributions received on deposited securities. As soon as practicable after the expiration of six months from the termination date, the depositary will sell the deposited securities which remain and hold the net proceeds of such sales, without liability for interest, in trust for the ADR holders who have not yet surrendered their ADRs. After making those sales, the depositary shall have no obligations except to account for such proceeds and other cash. The depositary will not be required to invest such proceeds or pay interest on them.

Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR Holders

The deposit agreement expressly limits the obligations and liability of the depositary, ourselves and our respective agents. Neither we nor the depositary nor any such agent will be liable if:

 

   

a change in law or regulation governing any deposited securities, act of God, war or other circumstance beyond its control shall prevent, delay or subject to any civil or criminal penalty any act which the deposit agreement or the ADRs provide shall be done or performed by it;

 

   

it exercises or fails to exercise discretion under the deposit agreement or the ADR;

 

   

it takes any action or inaction in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting shares for deposit, any registered holder of ADRs, or any other person believed by it to be competent to give such advice or information;

 

   

it performs its obligations without gross negligence or bad faith; or

 

   

it relies upon any written notice, request, direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

Neither the depositary nor its agents have any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any deposited securities or the ADRs. We and our agents shall only be obligated to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any deposited securities or the ADRs, which in our opinion may involve us in expense or liability, if indemnity satisfactory to us against all expense (including fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability is furnished as often as we require.

The depositary will not be responsible for failing to carry out instructions to vote the deposited securities or for the manner in which the deposited securities are voted or the effect of the vote.

The depositary may own and deal in deposited securities and ADSs.

Disclosure of Interest in ADSs

From time to time we may request ADR holders and beneficial owners of ADSs to provide information as to:

 

   

the capacity in which they own or owned ADSs;

 

   

the identity of any other persons then or previously interested in such ADSs; and

 

   

the nature of such interest and various other matters.

Investors in ADSs agree to provide any information requested by us or the depositary pursuant to the deposit agreement. The depositary has agreed to use reasonable efforts to comply with written instructions received from us requesting that it forward any such requests to investors in ADSs and other holders and beneficial owners and to forward to us any responses to such requests to the extent permitted by applicable law.

We may restrict transfers of the shares where any such transfer might result in ownership of shares in contravention of, or exceeding the limits under, the governmental approval which we received from the Indian government in connection with any offering, applicable law or our organizational documents. We may also instruct ADR holders that we are restricting the transfers of ADSs where such a transfer may result in the total number of shares represented by the ADSs beneficially owned by ADR holders contravening or exceeding the limits under the applicable law or our organizational documents. We reserve the right to instruct ADR holders to deliver their ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of the shares underlying such ADSs.

 

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Requirements for Depositary Actions

We, the depositary or the custodian may refuse to:

 

   

issue, register or transfer an ADR or ADRs;

 

   

effect a split-up or combination of ADRs;

 

   

deliver distributions on any such ADRs; or

 

   

permit the withdrawal of deposited securities (unless the deposit agreement provides otherwise), until the following conditions have been met:

 

   

the holder has paid all taxes, governmental charges and fees and expenses as required in the deposit agreement;

 

   

the holder has provided the depositary with any information it may deem necessary or proper, including, without limitation, proof of identity and the genuineness of any signature; and

 

   

the holder has complied with such regulations as the depositary may establish under the deposit agreement.

The depositary may also suspend the issuance of ADSs, the deposit of shares, the registration, transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs, or the withdrawal of deposited securities (unless the deposit agreement provides otherwise), if the register for ADRs or any deposited securities is closed or if we or the depositary decide it is advisable to do so.

Books of Depositary

The depositary or its agent will maintain a register for the registration, registration of transfer, combination and split-up of ADRs. ADR holders may inspect the depositary’s designated records at its office during regular business hours.

The depositary will maintain facilities to record and process the registration, registration of transfer, combination and split of ADRs. These facilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.

Pre-release of ADSs

The depositary may issue ADSs prior to the deposit with the custodian of shares (or rights to receive shares). This is called a pre-release of the ADSs. A pre-release is closed out as soon as the underlying shares (or other ADSs) are delivered to the depositary. The depositary may pre-release ADSs only if:

 

   

the depositary has received collateral for the full market value of the pre-released ADSs; and

 

   

each recipient of pre-released ADSs agrees in writing that he or she:

 

   

owns the underlying shares;

 

   

assigns all rights in such shares to the depositary;

 

   

holds such shares for the account of the depositary; and

 

   

will deliver such shares to the custodian as soon as practicable, and promptly if the depositary so demands.

In general, the number of pre-released ADSs will not evidence more than 30% of all ADSs outstanding at any given time (excluding those evidenced by pre-released ADSs). However, the depositary may change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate. The depositary may retain for its own account any earnings on collateral for pre-released ADSs and its charges for issuance thereof.

The Depositary

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States, is a commercial bank offering a wide range of banking and trust services to its customers in the New York metropolitan area, throughout the United States and around the world.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We have paid dividends every year since fiscal 1997. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the dividend per equity share and the total amount of dividends declared on the equity shares, both exclusive of dividend tax. All dividends were paid in rupees.

 

     Dividend per equity share      Total amount of dividends declared(1)  
                   (in millions)  

Relating to Fiscal Year

           

2009

   Rs. 2.00       US$ 0.037       Rs. 4,253.8       US$ 78.0   

2010

     2.40         0.044         5,492.9         100.8  

2011

     3.30         0.061         7,676.2         140.8  

2012

     4.30         0.079         10,090.8         185.1  

2013

     5.50         0.101         13,090.8         240.1  

 

(1) Includes dividends declared on shares held by the Employees Welfare Trust.

By a special resolution on July 6, 2011, the shareholders of the Bank had approved a stock split resulting in a reduction in the par value of each equity share from Rs.10.0 to Rs. 2.0 per equity share effective as of July 16, 2011. All share/ADS and per share/ADS data have been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of stock split. One ADS continues to represent three equity shares.

Our dividends are generally declared and paid in the fiscal year following the year to which they relate. Under Indian law, a company pays dividends upon a recommendation by its board of directors and approval by a majority of the shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders held within six months of the end of each fiscal year. The shareholders have the right to decrease but not to increase the dividend amount recommended by the board of directors.

We pay a 15.0% direct tax in respect of dividends paid by us. In addition, we pay a 5.0% surcharge (which has been increased to 10% with effect from fiscal 2014) on 15.0% direct tax and an add-on education cess at the rate of 3.0% of the total dividend distribution tax and surcharge. These are direct taxes paid by us; these taxes are not payable by shareholders and are not withheld or deducted from the dividend payments set forth above. The tax rates imposed on us in respect of dividends paid in prior periods varied.

Future dividends will depend on our revenues, cash flows, financial condition (including capital position) and other factors. ADS holders will be entitled to receive dividends payable in respect of the equity shares represented by ADSs. Cash dividends in respect of the equity shares represented by ADSs will be paid to the depositary in Indian rupees and, except in certain instances, will be converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars. The depositary will distribute these proceeds to ADS holders. The equity shares represented by ADSs will rank equally with all other equity shares in respect of dividends.

For a description of regulation of dividends, see “Supervision and Regulation—Special Provisions of the Banking Regulation Act—Restrictions on Payment of Dividends”.

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following table sets forth our selected financial and operating data. Our selected income statement data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2012 and 2013 are derived from our audited financial statements included in this report together with the report of Deloitte Haskins & Sells, independent registered public accounting firm. Our selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2009, March 31, 2010, March 31, 2011 and selected income data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010 are derived from our audited financial statements not included in this report. For the convenience of the reader, the selected financial data as of and for the year ended March 31, 2013 have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate on such date of Rs. 54.52 per US$1.00.

By a special resolution on July 6, 2011, the shareholders of the Bank approved a stock split resulting in a reduction in the par value of each equity share from Rs.10.0 to Rs. 2.0 per equity share effective as of July 16, 2011. All share/ADS and per share/ADS data have been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of stock split. One ADS continues to represent three shares.

You should read the following data with the more detailed information contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements. Footnotes to the following data appear below the final table. We acquired Centurion Bank of Punjab effective May 23, 2008. The selected financial and other data is presented accordingly.

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013      2013  
     (in millions, except per equity share data and ADS data)  

Selected income statement data:

                 

Interest and dividend revenue

   Rs. 158,996.8       Rs. 158,651.3       Rs. 202,252.0       Rs. 277,540.0       Rs. 353,878.5       US$ 6,490.8   

Interest expense

     86,114.9         77,720.0        93,849.7        151,148.0        196,802.0        3,609.6  

Net interest revenue

     72,881.9         80,931.3        108,402.3        126,392.0        157,076.5        2,881.2  

Provisions for credit losses

     20,394.9         18,193.9        9,621.9        7,837.3        12,688.0        232.7  

Net interest revenue after provisions for credit losses

     52,487.0         62,737.4        98,780.4        118,554.7        144,388.5        2,648.5  

Non-interest revenue, net

     33,603.0         42,899.7        46,815.4        52,595.5        65,177.4        1,195.3  

Net revenue

     86,090.0         105,637.1        145,595.8        171,150.2        209,565.9        3,843.8  

Non-interest expense

     63,154.9         68,410.9        82,370.2        97,313.5        117,591.1        2,156.8  

Income before income tax expense

     22,935.1         37,226.2        63,225.6        73,836.7        91,974.8        1,687.0  

Income tax expense

     7,737.4         12,338.4        21,698.3        23,828.7        29,840.1        547.3  

Net income before noncontrolling interest

     15,197.7         24,887.8        41,527.3        50,008.0        62,134.7        1,139.7  

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     93.4         317.1        330.4        224.6        315.3        5.8  

Net income attributable to HDFC Bank Limited

   Rs. 15,104.3       Rs. 24,570.7       Rs. 41,196.9       Rs. 49,783.4       Rs. 61,819.4       US$ 1,133.9   

Per equity share data:

                 

Earnings per equity share, basic

   Rs. 7.28       Rs. 11.26       Rs. 17.84       Rs. 21.30       Rs. 26.18       US$ 0.48   

Earnings per equity share, diluted

     7.24         11.12        17.59        21.12        25.91        0.47  

Dividends per share

     2.00         2.40        3.30        4.30        5.50        0.10  

Book value(1)

     117.30         133.52        148.96        168.34        196.89        3.61  

Equity share data:

                 

Equity shares outstanding at end of period

     2,126.9         2,288.7        2,326.1        2,346.7        2,379.4        2,379.4  

Weighted average equity shares outstanding—basic

     2,075.0         2,182.0        2,309.0        2,336.7        2,361.0        2,361.0  

Weighted average equity shares outstanding—diluted

     2,085.5         2,209.0        2,341.9        2,357.3        2,386.1        2,386.1  

ADS data (where one ADS represents three shares):

                 

Earnings per ADS—basic

     21.84         33.78        53.52        63.90        78.54        1.44  

Earnings per ADS—diluted

     21.72         33.36        52.77        63.36        77.73        1.41  

 

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Table of Contents
    As of March 31,  
    2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2013  
    (in millions)  

Selected balance sheet data:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  Rs. 171,224.4      Rs. 297,558.5      Rs. 288,902.1      Rs. 188,043.0      Rs. 218,740.2      US$ 4,012.1   

Term placements(2)

    34,473.2        58,166.3        102,049.4        150,096.5        199,265.7        3,654.9  

Loans, net of allowance

    986,495.0        1,297,180.4        1,622,856.0        2,006,374.3        2,504,551.6        45,938.2  

Investments:

           

Investments held for trading

    35,386.2        28,158.8        38,216.9        77,043.4        87,383.5        1,602.8  

Investments available for sale

    508,106.3        481,398.8        628,704.9        807,080.4        1,018,071.5        18,673.4  

Investments held to maturity(3)

    —         —         —         —         —          —    

Total

    543,492.5        509,557.6        666,921.8        884,123.8        1,105,455.0        20,276.2  

Total assets

  Rs. 2,020,744.8      Rs. 2,416,520.4      Rs. 2,920,236.3      Rs. 3,571,155.7      Rs. 4,370,906.1      US$ 80,170.8   

Long-term debt

    68,452.2        75,854.4        93,287.2        178,366.6        295,219.7        5,414.9  

Short-term borrowings

    26,383.6        98,165.0        76,686.7        112,642.8        145,617.2        2,670.9  

Total deposits

    1,426,288.6        1,672,400.3        2,082,129.0        2,465,049.6        2,960,533.9        54,301.8  

Of which:

           

Interest-bearing deposits

    1,142,281.9        1,301,046.0        1,619,283.6        2,012,057.9        2,438,262.0        44,722.3  

Non-interest bearing deposits

    284,006.7        371,354.3        462,845.4        452,991.7        522,271.9        9,579.5  

Total liabilities

    1,770,691.7        2,110,066.2        2,572,406.5        3,174,563.0        3,900,528.2        71,543.1  

Noncontrolling interest

    555.4        872.5        1,338.1        1,537.5        1,903.6        34.9  

HDFC Bank Limited shareholders’ equity

    249,497.7        305,581.7        346,491.7        395,055.2        468,474.3        8,592.8  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  Rs. 2,020,744.8      Rs. 2,416,520.4      Rs. 2,920,236.3      Rs. 3,571,155.7      Rs. 4,370,906.1      US$ 80,170.8   
    Year ended March 31,  
    2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2013  
    (in millions)  

Period average(4)

           

Interest-earning assets

  Rs. 1,579,423.9      Rs. 1,756,963.3      Rs. 2,237,281.0      Rs. 2,746,339.2      Rs. 3,403,617.4      US$ 62,428.8   

Loans, net of allowance

    992,040.0        1,106,474.4        1,507,942.8        1,854,364.2        2,328,320.6        42,705.8  

Total assets

    1,917,502.6        2,095,543.0        2,585,236.0        3,097,162.6        3,774,632.3        69,233.9  

Interest-bearing deposits

    1,114,880.3        1,202,813.6        1,504,552.3        1,825,018.8        2,245,452.4        41,185.8  

Non-interest bearing deposits

    248,822.0        295,675.6        361,184.3        390,682.9        414,590.2        7,604.4  

Total deposits

    1,363,702.3        1,498,489.2        1,865,736.6        2,215,701.7        2,660,042.6        48,790.2  

Interest-bearing liabilities

    1,253,236.8        1,325,841.7        1,707,823.0        2,168,714.2        2,721,847.0        49,923.8  

Long-term debt

    43,493.5        72,433.5        101,241.4        148,201.6        234,489.1        4,301.0  

Short-term borrowings

    94,863.0        50,594.6        102,029.3        195,493.8        241,905.5        4,437.0  

Total liabilities

    1,696,255.7        1,825,399.3        2,265,574.5        2,722,648.3        3,338,592.5        61,236.1  

Total shareholders’ equity

    221,246.9        270,143.7        319,661.5        374,514.3        436,039.8        7,997.8  

 

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Table of Contents
     As of or for the year ended March 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  
     (in percentage)  

Profitability:

              

Net income attributable to HDFC Bank Limited as a percentage of:

              

Average total assets

     0.8        1.2         1.6        1.6         1.6  

Average total shareholders’ equity

     6.8        9.1         12.9        13.3         14.2  

Dividend payout ratio(5)

     28.2        22.4         18.6        20.3         21.2  

Spread(6)

     4.3        4.2         4.5        4.2         4.1  

Net interest margin(7)

     4.6        4.6         4.8        4.6         4.6  

Cost-to-net revenue ratio(8)

     73.4        64.8         56.6        56.9         56.1  

Cost-to-average assets ratio(9)

     3.3        3.3         3.2        3.1         3.1  

Capital:

              

Total capital adequacy ratio(10)

     15.69        17.44         16.22        16.52         16.80  

Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio(10)

     10.58        13.26         12.23        11.60         11.08  

Tier 2 capital adequacy ratio(10)

     5.11        4.18         3.99        4.92         5.72  

Average total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets

     11.6        12.9         12.4        12.1         11.6  

Asset quality:

              

Gross non-performing customer assets as a percentage of gross customer assets(11)

     1.9        1.5         1.2        0.9         0.8  

Net non-performing customer assets as a percentage of net customer assets(11)

     0.6        0.4         0.3        0.2         0.2  

Total allowance for credit losses as a percentage of gross non-performing credit assets

     125.5        123.3         125.3        146.6         159.4  

 

1) Represents the difference between total assets and total liabilities, excluding noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, divided by the number of shares outstanding at the end of each reporting period.
2) Includes placements with banks and financial institutions with original maturities of greater than three months.
3) Under Indian GAAP, a transfer from an HTM portfolio to an AFS portfolio is permitted by RBI regulations once every year and the Bank has made transfers in accordance with these regulations. However, the Bank has not established an HTM portfolio under US GAAP.
4) Average balances are the average of daily outstanding amounts. Average figures are unaudited.
5) Represents the ratio of total dividends payable on equity shares relating to each fiscal year, excluding the dividend distribution tax, as a percentage of net income of that year. Dividends declared each year are typically paid in the following fiscal year. See “Dividend Policy.”
6) Represents the difference between yield on average interest-earning assets and cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. Yield on average interest-earning assets is the ratio of interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. Cost of average interest-bearing liabilities is the ratio of interest expense to average interest-bearing liabilities. For purposes of calculating spread, interest-bearing liabilities includes non-interest bearing current accounts.
7) Represents the ratio of net interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The difference in net interest margin and spread arises due to the difference in the amount of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. If average interest-earning assets exceed average interest-bearing liabilities, the net interest margin is greater than the spread. If average interest-bearing liabilities exceed average interest-earning assets, the net interest margin is less than the spread.
8) Represents the ratio of non-interest expense to the sum of net interest revenue after provision for credit losses and non-interest revenue.
9) Represents the ratio of non-interest expense to average total assets.
10) Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital adequacy ratios are computed as per Basel II guidelines. See “Supervision and Regulation.”
11) Customer assets consist of loans and credit substitutes.

 

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SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION

The following information should be read together with our financial statements included in this report as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” All amounts presented in this section are in accordance with U.S. GAAP, other than capital adequacy ratios, and are audited, except for average amounts. Footnotes appear at the end of each related section of tables.

Average Balance Sheet

The table below presents the average balances for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities together with the related interest revenue and expense amounts, resulting in the presentation of the average yields and cost for each period. The average balance is the daily average of balances outstanding. The average yield on average interest-earning assets is the ratio of interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The average cost on average interest-bearing liabilities is the ratio of interest expense to average interest-bearing liabilities. The average balances of loans include non-performing loans and are net of allowance for credit losses. We have not recalculated tax-exempt income on a tax-equivalent basis.

 

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    Year ended March 31,  
    2011     2012     2013  
    Average
balance
    Interest
revenue/
expense
    Average
yield/
cost
    Average
balance
    Interest
revenue/
expense
    Average
yield/
cost
    Average
balance
    Interest
revenue/
expense
    Average
yield/
cost
 
    (in millions, except percentages)  

Assets:

                 

Interest-earning assets:

                 

Cash equivalents

  Rs. 26,126.2      Rs. 1,247.4        4.8   Rs. 11,730.2      Rs. 576.7        4.9   Rs. 20,848.9      Rs. 1,222.3        5.9

Term placements

    73,259.0        3,531.3        4.8        119,812.5        5,970.4        5.0        160,690.5        8,591.5        5.3   

Investments available for sale:

                 

Tax free(1)

    2,634.5        176.0        6.7        6,986.6        1,930.7        27.6        17,747.3        1,338.3        7.5   

Taxable

    566,631.7        40,563.8        7.2        704,231.2        54,690.3        7.8        815,225.5        65,215.9        8.0   

Investments held to maturity

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Investments held for trading

    60,686.8        3,013.8        5.0        49,214.5        4,056.2        8.2        60,784.6        5,780.0        9.5   

Loans, net:

                 

Retail loans

    798,519.8        97,085.0        12.2        1,094,555.1        140,535.9        12.8        1,499,163.5        189,571.3        12.6   

Wholesale loans

    709,423.0        56,634.7        8.0        759,809.1        69,779.8        9.2        829,157.1        82,159.2        9.9   

Total interest-earning assets:

  Rs. 2,237,281.0      Rs. 202,252.0        9.0   Rs. 2,746,339.2      Rs. 277,540.0        10.1   Rs. 3,403,617.4      Rs. 353,878.5        10.4

Non-interest-earning assets:

                 

Cash

    154,829.0            182,544.0            174,638.0       

Property and equipment

    22,431.5            23,068.4            26,365.1       

Other assets

    170,694.5            145,211.0            170,011.8       

Total non-interest earning assets

    347,955.0            350,823.4            371,014.9       

Total assets

  Rs. 2,585,236.0      Rs. 202,252.0        7.8   Rs. 3,097,162.6      Rs. 277,540.0        9.0   Rs. 3,774,632.3      Rs. 353,878.5        9.4

Liabilities:

                 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                 

Savings account deposits

  Rs. 562,258.1      Rs. 19,662.0        3.5   Rs. 657,063.0      Rs. 26,024.6        4.0   Rs. 764,180.0      Rs. 30,432.0        4.0

Time deposits

    942,294.2        60,554.3        6.4        1,167,955.8        100,758.5        8.6        1,481,272.4        132,660.7        9.0   

Short-term borrowings(2)

    102,029.3        5,408.5        5.3        195,493.8        12,376.4        6.3        241,905.5        14,152.4        5.9   

Long-term debt

    101,241.4        8,224.9        8.1        148,201.6        11,988.5        8.1        234,489.1        19,556.9        8.3   

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  Rs. 1,707,823.0      Rs. 93,849.7        5.5   Rs. 2,168,714.2      Rs. 151,148.0        7.0   Rs. 2,721,847.0      Rs. 196,802.0        7.2

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:

                 

Non-interest-bearing deposits

    361,184.3            390,682.9            414,590.2       

Other liabilities

    196,567.2            163,251.2            202,155.3       

Total non-interest-bearing liabilities

    557,751.5            553,934.1            616,745.5       

Total liabilities

  Rs. 2,265,574.5      Rs. 93,849.7        4.1   Rs. 2,722,648.3      Rs. 151,148.0        5.6   Rs. 3,338,592.5      Rs. 196,802.0        5.9

Total shareholders’ equity

    319,661.5            374,514.3            436,039.8       

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  Rs. 2,585,236.0      Rs. 93,849.7        3.6   Rs. 3,097,162.6      Rs. 151,148.0        4.9   Rs. 3,774,632.3      Rs. 196,802.0        5.2

 

1) Yields on tax free securities are not on a tax equivalent basis.
2) Includes securities sold under repurchase agreements.

 

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Analysis of Changes in Interest Revenue and Interest Expense: Volume and Rate

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the allocation of the changes in our interest revenue and interest expense between average volume and average rate.

 

     Fiscal 2012 vs. Fiscal 2011
Increase (decrease)(1) due to
    Fiscal 2013 vs. Fiscal 2012
Increase (decrease)(1) due to
 
     Net change      Change in
Average volume
    Change in
average rate
    Net change     Change in
Average volume
     Change in
average rate
 
                  (in millions)               

Interest revenue:

              

Cash equivalents

     Rs. (670.7)         Rs. (687.3)        Rs.        16.6        Rs.     645.6        Rs.     448.3         Rs.      197.3   

Term placements

     2,439.1         2,244.0        195.1        2,621.1        2,037.0         584.1   

Investments available for sale:

              

Tax free

     1,754.7         290.7        1,464.0        (592.4     2,973.7         (3,566.1

Taxable

     14,126.5         9,850.4        4,276.1        10,525.6        8,619.8         1,905.8   

Investments held to maturity

     —          —         —         —          —           —     

Investments held for trading

     1,042.4         (569.7     1,612.1        1,723.8        953.6         770.2   

Loans, net:

              

Retail loans

     43,450.9         35,992.3        7,458.6        49,035.4        51,949.9         (2,914.5

Wholesale loans

     13,145.1         4,022.4        9,122.7        12,379.4        6,368.8         6,010.6   

Total interest-earning assets

     Rs.75,288.0         Rs.51,142.8        Rs. 24,145.2        Rs.76,338.5        Rs.73,351.1         Rs.   2,987.4   

Interest expense:

              

Savings account deposits

     Rs.  6,362.6         Rs.  3,315.3        Rs.   3,047.3        Rs.  4,407.4        Rs.  4,242.6         Rs.     164.8   

Time deposits

     40,204.2         14,501.6        25,702.6        31,902.2        27,029.5         4,872.7   

Short-term borrowings

     6,967.9         4,954.5        2,013.4        1,776.0        2,938.3         (1,162.3

Long-term debt

     3,763.6         3,815.1        (51.5     7,568.4        6,980.1         588.3   

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     Rs.57,298.3         Rs.26,586.5        Rs. 30,711.8        Rs.45,654.0        Rs.41,190.5         Rs.  4,463.5   

Net interest revenue

     Rs.17,989.7         Rs.24,556.3        Rs. (6,566.6)       Rs.30,684.5        Rs.32,160.6         Rs.(1,476.1)   

 

1) The changes in net interest revenue between periods have been reflected as attributed either to volume or rate changes. For purposes of this table, changes which are due to both volume and rate have been allocated solely to changes in rate.

 

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Yields, Spreads and Margins

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the yields, spreads and interest margins on our interest-earning assets.

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Interest revenue

   Rs. 202,252.0      Rs. 277,540.0      Rs. 353,878.5   

Average interest-earning assets

     2,237,281.0       2,746,339.2       3,403,617.4  

Interest expense

     93,849.7       151,148.0       196,802.0  

Average interest-bearing liabilities

     1,707,823.0       2,168,714.2       2,721,847.0  

Average total assets

     2,585,236.0       3,097,162.6       3,774,632.3  

Average interest-earning assets as a percentage of average total assets

     86.5 %     88.7 %     90.2 %

Average interest-bearing liabilities as a percentage of average total assets

     66.1 %     70.0 %     72.1 %

Average interest-earning assets as a percentage of average interest-bearing liabilities

     131.0 %     126.6 %     125.0 %

Yield

     9.0 %     10.1 %     10.4 %

Cost of funds(1)

     4.1 %     5.6 %     5.9 %

Spread(2)

     4.5 %     4.2 %     4.1 %

Net interest margin(3)

     4.8 %     4.6 %     4.6 %

 

1) Excludes total shareholders’ equity.
2) Represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. The yield on average interest-earning assets is the ratio of interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The cost of average interest-bearing liabilities is the ratio of interest expense to average interest-bearing liabilities. For purposes of calculating spread, interest-bearing liabilities include non-interest bearing current accounts.
3) The net interest margin is the ratio of net interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The difference in the net interest margin and spread arises due to the difference in the amount of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. If average interest-earning assets exceed average interest-bearing liabilities, the net interest margin is greater than the spread. If average interest-bearing liabilities exceed average interest-earning assets, the net interest margin is less than the spread.

Returns on Equity and Assets

The following table presents selected financial ratios for the periods indicated.

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Net income

   Rs. 41,196.9      Rs. 49,783.4      Rs. 61,819.4   

Average total assets

     2,585,236.0       3,097,162.6       3,774,632.3  

Average total shareholders’ equity

     319,661.5       374,514.3       436,039.8  

Net income as a percentage of average total assets

     1.6     1.6 %     1.6

Net income as a percentage of average total shareholders’ equity

     12.9     13.3 %     14.2

Average total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets

     12.4     12.1 %     11.6

Dividend payout-ratio

     18.6     20.3 %     21.2

 

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Investment Portfolio

Available for Sale Investments

The following tables set forth, as of the dates indicated, information related to our investments available for sale.

 

     At March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
unrealized
gain
     Gross
unrealized
loss
     Fair value      Amortized
cost
     Gross
unrealized
gain
     Gross
unrealized
loss
     Fair value      Amortized
cost
     Gross
unrealized
gain
     Gross
unrealized
Loss
     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Government securities

   Rs. 587,670.4       Rs. 114.9       Rs. 8,773.1       Rs. 579,012.2       Rs. 764,519.0       Rs. 505.2       Rs. 12,433.9       Rs. 752,590.3       Rs. 924,935.5       Rs. 2,665.6       Rs. 3,539.1       Rs. 924,062.0   

Other debt securities

     43,394.0         151.2         111.3         43,433.9         40,376.1         106.3         108.6         40,373.8         69,015.1         181.6         27.2         69,169.5   

Total debt securities(1)

   Rs. 631,064.4       Rs. 266.1       Rs. 8,884.4       Rs. 622,446.1       Rs. 804,895.1       Rs. 611.5       Rs. 12,542.5       Rs. 792,964.1       Rs. 993,950.6       Rs. 2,847.2       Rs. 3,566.3       Rs. 993,231.5   

Non-debt securities(2)

     5,982.7         288.4         12.3         6,258.8         13,137.3         985.3         6.3         14,116.3         23,837.4         1,148.8         146.2         24,840.0   

Total

   Rs. 637,047.1       Rs. 554.5       Rs. 8,896.7       Rs. 628,704.9       Rs. 818,032.4       Rs. 1,596.8       Rs. 12,548.8       Rs. 807,080.4       Rs. 1,017,788.0       Rs. 3,996.0       Rs. 3,712.5       Rs. 1,018,071.5   

 

(1) Excludes asset and mortgage-backed securities.
(2) Includes asset and mortgage-backed securities.

Held to Maturity Investments

As of March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Bank had no investments held to maturity.

Held for Trading Investments

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, information related to our investments held for trading:

 

     At March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  
     Amortized
cost
     Gross
unrealized
gain
     Gross
unrealized
loss
     Fair value      Amortized
cost
     Gross
unrealized
gain
     Gross
unrealized
loss
     Fair value      Amortized
cost
     Gross
unrealized
gain
     Gross
Unrealized
loss
     Fair value  
     (in millions)  

Government securities

   Rs. 14,222.6       Rs. 63.5       Rs. 0.3       Rs. 14,285.8       Rs. 51,194.4       Rs. 18.2       Rs. 195.2       Rs. 51,017.4       Rs. 63,468.6       Rs. 134.7       Rs. 58.5       Rs. 63,544.8   

Other debt securities

     23,856.8         71.5         0.1         23,928.2         25,987.0         46.9         7.9         26,026.0         13,856.2         11.7         59.1         13,808.8   

Total debt securities

   Rs. 38,079.4       Rs. 135.0       Rs. 0.4       Rs. 38,214.0       Rs. 77,181.4       Rs. 65.1       Rs. 203.1       Rs. 77,043.4       Rs. 77,324.8       Rs. 146.4       Rs. 117.6       Rs. 77,353.6   

Non-debt securities

     3.0         —          0.1         2.9         —          —          —          —          10,029.9         —           —           10,029.9   

Total

   Rs. 38,082.4       Rs. 135.0       Rs. 0.5       Rs. 38,216.9       Rs. 77,181.4       Rs. 65.1       Rs. 203.1       Rs. 77,043.4       Rs. 87,354.7       Rs. 146.4       Rs. 117.6       Rs. 87,383.5   

 

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Residual Maturity Profile

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, an analysis of the residual maturity profile of our investments in government and corporate debt securities classified as available-for-sale securities and their market yields.

 

     At March 31, 2013  
     Up to one year     One to five years     Five to ten years     More than ten years  
     Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield     Amount      Yield  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Government securities

   Rs. 307,010.1         7.9 %   Rs. 392,244.1         7.8 %   Rs. 183,873.2         8.0   Rs. 40,934.6         8.1

Other debt securities

     61,898.9         9.2       7,270.6         6.1       —             —        

Total debt securities, fair value

   Rs. 368,909.0         8.2 %   Rs. 399,514.7         7.8 %   Rs. 183,873.2         8.0   Rs. 40,934.6         8.1

Total amortized cost

   Rs. 368,984.1         Rs. 401,486.7         Rs. 182,689.6         Rs. 40,790.2      

Funding

Our funding operations are designed to ensure stability, low cost of funding and effective liquidity management. The primary source of funding is deposits raised from retail customers, which were approximately 75% of total deposits as of March 31, 2013 as compared to 72% as of March 31, 2012. Wholesale banking deposits represented approximately 25% of total deposits as of March 31, 2013 and 28% March 31, 2012.

Total Deposits

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our average outstanding deposits and the percentage composition by each category of deposits. The average cost (interest expense divided by the average of the daily balance for the relevant period) of savings deposits was 3.5% in fiscal 2011, 4.0% in fiscal 2012 and 4.0% in fiscal 2013. The average cost of time deposits was 6.4% in fiscal 2011, 8.6% in fiscal 2012 and 9.0% in fiscal 2013. The average deposits for the periods set forth are as follows:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     Amount      % of total     Amount      % of total     Amount      % of total  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Current deposits

   Rs. 361,184.3         19.4   Rs. 390,682.9         17.6 %   Rs. 414,590.2         15.6

Savings deposits

     562,258.1         30.1       657,063.0         29.7       764,180.0         28.7  

Time deposits

     942,294.2         50.5       1,167,955.8         52.7       1,481,272.4         55.7  

Total

   Rs. 1,865,736.6         100.0   Rs. 2,215,701.7         100.0 %   Rs. 2,660,042.6         100.0

As of March 31, 2013, individual time deposits in excess of Rs. 0.1 million had a balance to maturity profile as follows:

 

     At March 31, 2013  
     Up to three months
     Three to six months
     Six to twelve months
     More than one year
 
     (in millions)  

Balance to maturity for time deposits exceeding Rs. 0.1 million each

   Rs. 481,880.0       Rs. 279,011.1       Rs. 367,244.4       Rs. 314,450.1   

 

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Table of Contents

Short-term Borrowings

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information related to our short-term borrowings, which are comprised primarily of money-market borrowings. Short-term borrowings include securities sold under repurchase agreements.

 

     Years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Period end

   Rs. 136,686.7        Rs.182,642.8        Rs.350,617.2   

Average balance during the period

   Rs. 102,029.3        Rs.195,493.8        Rs.241,905.5   

Maximum outstanding

   Rs. 255,927.6        Rs.402,246.2        Rs.508,131.8   

Average interest rate during the period(1)

     5.3     6.3     5.9

Average interest rate at period end(2)

     5.5     6.1     6.6 %

 

1) Represents the ratio of interest expense on short-term borrowings to the average of daily balances of short-term borrowings.
2) Represents the weighted average rate of short-term borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

 

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Subordinated Debt

We also obtain funds from the issuance of unsecured non-convertible subordinated debt securities, which qualify as Tier 1 or Tier 2 risk-based capital under the RBI’s guidelines for assessing capital adequacy. Subordinated debt (Lower Tier 2 capital), Upper Tier 2 capital and Innovative Perpetual Debt Instruments outstanding as on March 31, 2013 are Rs. 130.28 billion (previous year: Rs. 69.81 billion), Rs. 39.59 billion (previous year: Rs. 39.25 billion), and Rs. 2.00 billion (previous year: Rs. 2.00 billion), respectively. The breakup of the same is shown hereunder:

 

Type

   Currency      Year of
issue
     Year of
maturity
     Average
tenor
(years)
     Interest rate
(%)
     Year of call      Step-up
rate
(%)
     Face value
(Rupees in billions)
 

Lower Tier II

     INR         2003-04         2017-18         13.3         6.00         —           —           0.05  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2003-04         2014-15         10.3         5.90         —           —           3.95  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2004-05         2014-15         9.9         7.05         —           —           0.15  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2004-05         2014-15         9.3         8.75         —           —           0.04  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2005-06         2015-16         9.5         7.50         —           —           4.14  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2005-06         2015-16         9.3         7.75         —           —           2.31  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2005-06         2015-16         9.7         8.25         —           —           2.57  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2005-06         2015-16         9.9         8.60         —           —           3.00  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2006-07         2016-17         10.0         8.45         —           —           1.69  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2006-07         2016-17         10.0         9.10         —           —           2.41  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2008-09         2018-19         10.0         10.70         —           —           11.50  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2008-09         2018-19         10.0         9.75         —           —           1.50  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2011-12         2026-27         15.0         9.48         2021-22         —           36.50  

Lower Tier II

     INR         2012-13         2022-23         10.0         8.95         2017-18         —           5.65   

Lower Tier II

     INR         2012-13         2022-23         10.0         9.10         2017-18         —           14.05   

Lower Tier II

     INR         2012-13         2022-23         10.0         10.20         —           —           2.50   

Lower Tier II

     INR         2012-13         2022-23         10.0         9.70         —           —           1.50   

Lower Tier II

     INR         2012-13         2022-23         10.0         9.60         —           —           2.00   

Lower Tier II

     INR         2012-13         2027-28         15.0         9.45         2022-23         —           34.77   

Upper Tier II

     INR         2006-07         2021-22         15.0         8.80         2016-17         9.55         3.00  

Upper Tier II

     INR         2006-07         2021-22         15.0         9.20         2016-17         9.95         3.00  

Upper Tier II

     INR         2006-07         2021-22         15.0         8.95         2016-17         9.70         0.36  

Upper Tier II

     USD         2006-07         2021-22         15.1         LIBOR+1.2         2016-17         LIBOR+2.2         5.43  

Upper Tier II

     INR         2007-08         2022-23         15.0         10.84         2017-18        
 
5 Year GSec
Yield+3.5
  
  
     1.00  

Upper Tier II

     INR         2008-09         2023-24         15.0         10.85         2018-19         11.35         5.78  

Upper Tier II

     INR         2008-09         2023-24         15.0         9.95         2018-19         10.45         2.00  

Upper Tier II

     INR         2008-09         2023-24         15.0         9.85         2018-19         10.35         7.97  

Upper Tier II

     INR         2010-11         2025-26         15.0         8.70         2020-21         9.20         11.05  

Perpetual Bond

     INR         2006-07         —              9.92         2016-17         10.92         2.00  

The Upper Tier II U.S. dollar debt depicted in the table above is for an amount of US $100 million raised during fiscal 2007 carrying an interest rate of Libor + 1.20%. In the table above, the rupee equivalent is based on the translation rate of Rs. 54.285 = US $1.00. We have a right to redeem certain of the issuances as noted above under “year of call.” If not called, the interest rate increases to the step-up rate.

 

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Asset Liability Gap

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our asset-liability gap position:

 

    As of March 31, 2013(1)  
    0-28 Days     29-90 days     91-180 days     6-12 months     Total within
one year
    Over
1 year
to 3  years
    Over 3
years
to 5 years
    Over 5
years
    Total  
    (in millions, except percentages)  

Cash and cash equivalents(2)(3)

    98,823.6        6,209.4        10,860.6        7,279.0        123,172.6        56,985.2        1,838.5        36,743.9        218,740.2  

Term placements

    1,932.4        7,632.1        21,514.5        41,240.8        72,319.8        47,021.5        36,263.9        43,660.5        199,265.7  

Investments held for trading(4)

    53,847.0        33,033.1        293.5        89.6        87,263.2        —          120.3        —          87,383.5  

Investments available for sale(5)(6)

    325,829.7        41,739.2        70,393.7        57,674.0        495,636.6        293,262.8        19,761.1        209,411.0        1,018,071.5  

Securities purchased under agreement to resell

    67,000.0        —          —          —          67,000.0        —          —          —          67,000.0  

Loans, net(7)(8)

    216,602.9        266,002.5        240,519.8        276,099.2        999,224.4        1,125,423.3        195,597.8        184,306.1        2,504,551.6  

Accrued interest receivable

    34,370.9              34,370.9              34,370.9  

Other assets

    13,483.3        5,476.5        —          —          18,959.8        104,219.6        —          —          123,179.4  

Total financial assets

    811,889.8        360,092.8        343,582.1        382,382.6        1,897,947.3        1,626,912.4        253,581.6        474,121.5        4,252,562.8  

Deposits(9)(10)

    299,773.2        189,464.4        208,361.7        179,142.4        876,741.7        1,264,966.9        52,243.3        766,582.0        2,960,533.9  

Debt(11)

    27,466.4        69,048.7        53,068.4        20,153.9        169,737.4        71,544.4        73,779.4        125,775.7        440,836.9  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

    205,000.0        —          —          —          205,000.0        —          —          —          205,000.0  

Other Liabilities(12)

    106,864.7        26,773.8        31,519.2        —          165,157.7        128,999.7        —          —          294,157.4  

Total financial liabilities

    639,104.3        285,286.9        292,949.3        199,296.3        1,416,636.8        1,465,511.0        126,022.7        892,357.7        3,900,528.2  

Asset/liability gap

    172,785.5        74,805.9        50,632.8        183,086.3        481,310.5        161,401.4        127,558.9        (418,236.2     352,034.6  

Cumulative gap

    172,785.5        247,591.3        298,224.2        481,310.5        481,310.5        642,711.9        770,270.8        352,034.6        352,034.6  

Cumulative gap as a percentage of total financial assets

    21.3     21.1     19.7     25.4     25.4     18.2     20.4     8.3     8.3

 

1) Assets and liabilities are classified into the applicable maturity categories based on residual maturity unless specifically mentioned.
2) Cash on hand is classified in the “0-28” days category.
3) Cash and cash equivalents include balances with the RBI to satisfy its cash reserve ratio requirements. These balances are held in the form of overnight cash deposits but we classify these balances as part of the applicable maturity categories on a basis proportionate to the classification of related deposits.
4) Securities in the trading book are classified based on the expected time of realization for such investments. Units of open ended mutual funds are classified in ‘0-28’ days category.
5) Securities held towards satisfying the statutory liquidity requirement prescribed by the RBI are classified based on the applicable maturity categories on a basis proportionate to the classification of related deposits.
6) Shares in the available-for-sale investment portfolio are classified in the “over 5 years” category. Units of open ended mutual funds are classified in ‘0-28’ days category.
7) Includes net non-performing loans which are classified in the “Over 3 years to 5 years” and “Over 5 years” categories.
8) Ambiguous maturity overdrafts are classified under various maturity categories based on a historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such advances.
9) Non-maturity deposits are classified under various maturity categories based on a historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such deposits.
10) Time deposits under Rs. 50 million are classified under various maturity categories based on the historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such deposits taking into account rollovers and premature withdrawals. The rest have been classified under various maturity categories based on the residual maturity.
11) Includes short-term borrowings and long-term debt.
12) Cash floats are classified under various maturity categories based on the historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such floats.

For further information on how we manage our asset liability risk, see “Business—Market Risk.”

 

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Loan Portfolio and Credit Substitutes

As of March 31, 2013, our gross loan portfolio amounted to Rs. 2,538.2 billion. As of that date, our gross credit substitutes outstanding were Rs. 46.6 billion and represented credit substitutes outstanding. Almost all our gross loans and credit substitutes are to borrowers in India and over 90% are denominated in rupees. For a description of our retail and wholesale loan products, see “Business—Retail Banking—Retail Loans and Other Asset Products” and “Business—Wholesale Banking—Commercial Banking Products—Commercial Loan Products and Credit Substitutes.”

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our gross loan portfolio classified by product group:

 

     At March 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  
     (in millions)  

Retail loans

   Rs. 620,393.9       Rs. 732,984.2       Rs. 980,144.6       Rs. 1,344,966.8       Rs. 1,729,503.7   

Wholesale loans

     390,652.0         587,956.8         668,605.7         689,314.4         808,742.1   

Gross loans

   Rs. 1,011,045.9       Rs. 1,320,941.0       Rs. 1,648,750.3       Rs. 2,034,281.2       Rs. 2,538,245.8   

Credit substitutes (at fair value)

     4,252.3         2,476.3         14,491.1         11,800.5         46,622.6   

Gross loans plus credit substitutes

   Rs. 1,015,298.2       Rs. 1,323,417.3       Rs. 1,663,241.4       Rs. 2,046,081.7       Rs. 2,584,868.4   

Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans and Credit Substitutes

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the maturity and interest rate sensitivity of our loans and credit substitutes:

 

     At March 31, 2013  
     Due in one
year or less
     Due in one
to five years
     Due after
five years
 
     (in millions)  

Retail loans

   Rs. 541,093.1       Rs. 1,028,807.2         Rs.159,603.4   

Wholesale loans

     458,131.3         297,660.2         52,950.6   

Gross loans

   Rs. 999,224.4       Rs. 1,326,467.4         Rs.212,554.0   

Credit substitutes (at fair value)

     41,568.1         5,054.5         —     

Gross loans plus credit substitutes

   Rs. 1,040,792.5       Rs. 1,331,521.9         Rs.212,554.0   
        
     At March 31, 2013  
     Due in one
year or less
     Due in one
to five years
     Due after five
years
 
     (in millions)  

Interest rate classification of loans by maturity:

        

Variable rates

   Rs. 122,377.4       Rs. 552,109.2       Rs. 184,952.9   

Fixed rates

     876,847.0         774,358.2         27,601.1   

Gross loans

   Rs. 999,224.4       Rs. 1,326,467.4       Rs. 212,554.0   

Interest rate classification of credit substitutes by maturity:

        

Variable rates

   Rs. —         Rs. —         Rs. —     

Fixed rates

     41,568.1         5,054.5         —     

Gross credit substitutes

   Rs. 41,568.1       Rs. 5,054.5       Rs. —     

Interest rate classification of loans and credit substitutes by maturity:

        

Variable rates

   Rs. 122,377.4       Rs. 552,109.2       Rs. 184,952.9   

Fixed rates

     918,415.1         779,412.7         27,601.1   

Gross loans and credit substitutes

   Rs. 1,040,792.5       Rs. 1,331,521.9       Rs. 212,554.0   

 

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Concentration of Loans and Credit Substitutes

Pursuant to the guidelines of the RBI, our exposure to individual borrowers is limited to 15% of our capital funds (as defined by RBI and calculated under Indian GAAP), and our exposure to a group of companies under the same management is limited to 40% of our capital funds. In the case of infrastructure projects, such as power, telecommunications, road and port projects, an additional exposure of up to 5% of capital funds is allowed in respect of individual borrowers and up to 10% in respect of group borrowers. We may, in exceptional circumstances, with the approval of our board of directors, consider enhancement of exposure to a borrower by a further 5% of capital funds. See “Supervision and Regulation—Credit Exposure Limits.”

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our gross loans and fair value of credit substitutes outstanding by the borrower’s industry or economic activity and as a percentage of our gross loans and fair value of credit substitutes (where such percentage exceeds 2.0% of the total). We do not consider retail loans a specific industry for this purpose. However, retail business banking loans are classified in the appropriate categories below and loans to commercial vehicle operators are included in land transport below.

 

     At March 31,  
     2009            2010            2011            2012            2013         
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Wholesale Trade

   Rs. —           —     Rs. 46,003.6         3.5   Rs. 68,948.3         4.1   Rs. 110,828.9         5.4   Rs. 178,552.2         6.9

Land transport

     53,270.5         5.3        59,080.3         4.5        91,140.0         5.5        129,736.4         6.3        157,938.8         6.1  

Automobile & Auto Ancillary

     38,991.6         3.8        73,833.6         5.6        79,226.6         4.8        70,175.3         3.4        109,667.7         4.2  

Services

     —           —          —           —          —           —          —           —          73,757.3         2.9  

Retail trade

     22,356.2         2.2        —           —          38,203.9         2.3        52,373.5         2.6        71,102.3         2.8  

Food & Beverage

     —           —          —           —          34,458.0         2.1        46,444.1         2.3        70,405.2         2.7  

Non-Banking Financial Companies /Financial Intermediaries

     40,681.5         4.0        53,802.5         4.1        56,852.9         3.3        52,596.5         2.6        58,346.2         2.3  

Iron & Steel

     —           —          —           —          39,203.3         2.4        —           —          53,229.3         2.1  

Real Estate & Property Services

     —           —          27,051.3         2.0        39,964.8         2.4        47,422.1         2.3        —           —     

Activities allied to agriculture

     32,492.8         3.2        31,493.6         2.4        49,024.3         2.9        45,591.8         2.2        —           —     

Power

     —           —          —           —          36,646.8         2.2        44,135.9         2.2        —           —     

Banks and Financial Institutions

     —           —          37,590.1         2.8        45,070.1         2.7        —           —          —           —     

Fertilizers

     27,445.3         2.7        54,830.1         4.1        34,157.5         2.1        —           —          —           —     

Housing Finance Companies

     —           —          35,697.6         2.7        —           —          —           —          —           —     

Petroleum & Petroleum Products

     26,437.3         2.6        —           —          —           —          —           —          —           —     

Others (including unclassified retail)

     773,623.0         76.2        904,034.6         68.3        1,050,344.9         63.2        1,446,777.2         70.7        1,811,869.4         70.0  

Total

   Rs. 1,015,298.20         100.0   Rs. 1,323,417.3         100.0   Rs. 1,663,241.4         100.0   Rs. 2,046,081.7         100.0   Rs. 2,584,868.4         100.0

As of March 31, 2013, our 10 largest exposures totaled approximately Rs. 455.2 billion and represented 100.2% of our capital funds as per RBI guidelines. The largest group of companies under the same management control accounted for 34.6% of our capital funds as on March 31, 2013 as per RBI guidelines.

Directed Lending

The RBI has established guidelines requiring Indian banks to lend 40% of their adjusted net bank credit (“ANBC”), as computed in accordance with RBI guidelines, or the credit equivalent amount of off balance sheet exposures, whichever is higher, as of March 31 of the previous fiscal, to certain sectors called “priority sectors.” Priority sectors are broadly comprised of agriculture, micro and small enterprises (MSEs), including retail trade, micro credit, education and housing, subject to certain limits.

We are required to comply with the priority sector lending requirements as of March 31 of each fiscal year. Until fiscal 2012, the priority sector lending was reckoned as of the last reporting Friday of each fiscal year, a date specified by the RBI for reporting. We have met our overall priority sector lending targets of 40%. However, agricultural loans made under the ‘direct’ category were 12.6% of ANBC, against the requirement of 13.5%, with a shortfall of Rs.16.8 billion, and advances to sections termed “weaker” by the RBI were 6.0% against the requirement of 10.0%, with a shortfall of Rs. 72.3 billion. We may be required by the RBI to deposit with the Indian Development Banks certain amounts as specified by the RBI in the coming year due to the shortfall in certain sub-categories of priority sector lending targets. As of March 31, 2013, our total investments as directed by RBI in such deposits were Rs. 142.7 billion yielding returns ranging from 3% to 7%.

 

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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our directed lending broken down by sector:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  
     (in millions)  

Directed lending:

              

Agriculture

     Rs.105,459.5         Rs.155,383.0         Rs.204,506.2         Rs.246,506.4         Rs.291,689.2   

Micro and small enterprises

     108,932.2         181,739.6         222,933.8         248,497.9         296,012.3   

Other

     85,736.7         107,206.0         123,550.0         148,296.9         184,872.3   

Total directed lending

     Rs.300,128.4         Rs.444,328.6         Rs.550,990.0         Rs.643,301.2         Rs.772,573.8   

Non-Performing Loans

The following discussion of non-performing loans is based on U.S. GAAP. For classification of non-performing loans under Indian regulatory requirements, see “Supervision and Regulation.”

As of March 31, 2013, our gross non-performing loans as a percentage of gross loan assets were 0.8 % and our gross non-performing loans net of specific valuation allowances as a percentage of net loan assets were 0.2%. As of March 31, 2013, 15.2% of non-performing loans were unsecured and unsecured non-performing loans were 0.6% of gross unsecured loans. Our valuation allowances, excluding unallocated allowances were 77.9% of gross non-performing loans. These allowances are based on the expected realization of cash flows from these assets and from the underlying collateral. All of our non-performing loans are rupee-denominated. Non-performing loans to the directed lending sector were 0.3% of gross loans.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information about our gross non-performing loan portfolio:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Non-performing loans:

          

Retail loans

   Rs. 14,957.7      Rs. 13,038.0      Rs. 11,159.5      Rs. 11,311.3      Rs. 14,579.1   

Wholesale loans

     4,599.8        6,224.9        9,502.9        7,723.6        6,553.0  

Gross non-performing loans

   Rs. 19,557.5      Rs. 19,262.9      Rs. 20,662.4      Rs. 19,034.9      Rs. 21,132.1   

Specific valuation allowances

   Rs. 13,220.6      Rs. 13,820.3      Rs. 16,089.8      Rs. 15,316.7      Rs. 16,466.9   

Unallocated valuation allowances

     11,330.3        9,940.3        9,804.5        12,590.2        17,227.3  

Non-performing loans net of specific valuation allowance

     6,336.9        5,442.6        4,572.6        3,718.2        4,665.2  

Gross loan assets

     1,011,045.9        1,320,941.0        1,648,750.3        2,034,281.2        2,538,245.8  

Net loan assets

   Rs. 986,495.0      Rs. 1,297,180.4      Rs. 1,622,856.0      Rs. 2,006,374.3      Rs. 2,504,551.6   

Gross non-performing loans as a percentage of gross loans

     1.9     1.5     1.3     0.9     0.8 %

Gross unsecured non-performing loans as a percentage of gross non-performing loans

     32.0     25.5     16.0     14.4     15.2 %

Unsecured non-performing loans as a percentage of gross unsecured loans.

     2.7     1.4     0.9     0.6     0.6 %

Non-performing loans net of specific valuation allowance as a percentage of net loan assets

     0.6     0.4     0.3     0.2     0.2 %

Specific valuation allowance as a percentage of gross non-performing loans

     67.6     71.7     77.9     80.5     77.9 %

Total valuation allowance as a percentage of gross non-performing loans

     125.5     123.3     125.3     146.6     159.4 %

 

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Recognition of Non-Performing Loans

We classify our loan portfolio into loans that are performing and loans that are non-performing or impaired. We have categorized our gross loans based on their performance status as follows:

 

     At March 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  
     (in millions)  

Performing

   Rs. 991,488.4         Rs.1,301,678.1         Rs.1,628,087.9         Rs.2,015,246.3         Rs.2,517,113.7   

Non-performing or impaired:

              

On accrual status

     —          1,078.5        3,938.0        624.4        253.3  

On non-accrual status

     19,557.5         18,184.4        16,724.4        18,410.5        20,878.8  

Total non-performing or impaired

     19,557.5         19,262.9        20,662.4        19,034.9        21,132.1  

Total

   Rs. 1,011,045.9         Rs.1,320,941.0         Rs.1,648,750.3         Rs.2,034,281.2         Rs.2,538,245.8   

We consider a loan to be performing when no principal or interest payment is one quarter or more past due and where we expect to recover all amounts due to us. In the case of wholesale loans, we also identify loans as non-performing or impaired even when principal or interest payments are less than one quarter past due but where we believe recovery of all principal and interest amounts is doubtful. Interest income from loans is recognized on an accrual basis using effective interest method when earned except in respect of loans placed on non-accrual status, for which interest income is recognized when received. Loans are placed on “non-accrual” status when interest or principal payments are one quarter past due.

Our methodology for determining specific and unallocated allowances is discussed separately below for each category of loans.

Retail

Our retail loan loss allowance consists of specific and unallocated allowances.

We establish a specific allowance on our retail loan portfolio based on factors such as the nature of the product, delinquency levels or the number of days the loan is past due and the nature of the security available. Additionally we monitor loan to value ratios for loans against securities. The loans are charged off against allowances typically when the account becomes 150 to 1,083 days past due depending on the type of loans. The defined delinquency levels at which major loan types are charged off are 150 days past due for personal loans and credit card receivables, 180 days past due for auto loans, commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance, 720 days past due for housing loans and on a customer by customer basis in respect of retail business banking when we believe that any future cash flows from these loans are remote, including realization of collateral, if applicable, and where any restructuring or any other settlement arrangements are not feasible.

We also record unallocated allowances for retail loans by product type. Our retail loan portfolio is comprised of groups of large numbers of small value homogeneous loans. We establish an unallocated allowance for loans in each product group based on our estimate of the overall portfolio quality, asset growth, economic conditions and other risk factors. We estimate unallocated allowance for retail loans based on an internal credit slippage matrix, which measures our historic losses for our standard loan portfolio. Subsequent recoveries, if any, against write off cases are adjusted to provision for credit losses in the consolidated statement of income.

Wholesale

The allowance for wholesale loans consists of specific and unallocated components. The allowance for such credit losses is evaluated on a regular basis by us and is based upon our view of the probability of recovery of loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, factors affecting the industry which the loan exposure relates to and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes that the loan balance cannot be recovered. Subsequent recoveries, if any, against write off cases are adjusted to provision for credit losses in the consolidated statement of income.

 

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We grade our wholesale loan accounts considering both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Wholesale loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by us in determining impairment include payment status, the financial condition of the borrower, the value of collateral held, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.

We establish specific allowances for each impaired wholesale loan customer in the aggregate for all facilities, including term loans, cash credits, bills discounted and lease finance, based on either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the net realizable value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Wholesale loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not classified as impaired but are placed on a surveillance watch list and closely monitored for deterioration. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, market information, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

In light of the significant growth in the size and diversity of our wholesale loan portfolio, we have also established an unallocated allowance for wholesale standard loans based on the overall portfolio quality, asset growth, economic conditions and other risk factors. We estimate our wholesale unallocated allowance based on an internal credit slippage matrix, which measures our historic losses for our standard loan portfolio.

 

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Analysis of Non-Performing Loans by Industry Sector

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our non-performing loans by borrowers’ industry or economic activity in each of the respective periods and as a percentage of our loans in the respective industry or economic activity sector. These figures do not include credit substitutes, which we include for purposes of calculating our industry concentration for RBI reporting. See “Risk Factors—We have high concentrations of exposures to certain customers and sectors and if any of these exposures were to become non-performing, the quality of our portfolio could be adversely affected and our ability to meet capital requirements could be jeopardized.”

 

    2009     2010     2011     2012     2013  

Industry

  Gross
Loans
    Non
performing
loans
    % of
loans in
industry
    Gross
Loans
    Non
performing
loans
    % of
loans in
industry
    Gross
Loans
    Non
performing
loans
    % of
loans in
industry
    Gross
Loans
    Non
performing
loans
    % of
loans in
industry
    Gross
Loans
    Non
performing
loans
    % of
loans in
industry
 
    (Rupees in millions, except percentages)  

Information Technology

  Rs. 4,700.8      Rs. 14.0        0.3   Rs. —        Rs. —          —     Rs. —          —          —     Rs. 11,004.0        529.5        4.8   Rs. 9,955.8        604.2        6.1

Mining & minerals

    —          —          —          4,254.5        1.3        —          7,963.0        505.7        6.4        13,865.0        505.7        3.6        11,103.0        504.4        4.5   

Textiles & Garments

    11,773.3        448.3        3.8        13,836.8        788.6        5.7        17,285.3        1,410.0        8.2        17,931.2        1,430.5        8.0        28,010.3        918.0        3.3   

NBFC / Financial Intermediaries

    40,425.2        11.2        —          —          —          —          54,241.0        2,147.1        4.0        47,563.0        1,782.7        3.7        35,588.9        1,124.2        3.2   

Engineering

    17,529.4        17.8        0.1        21,106.9        118.1        0.6        23,846.4        224.3        0.9        33,487.0        212.3        0.6        42,721.6        557.1        1.3   

Retail advances not otherwise classified

    507,274.0        13,789.6        2.7        557,204.8        12,179.3        2.2        751,084.6        10,267.8        1.4        996,118.1        10,543.5        1.1        1,170,409.1        13,215.0        1.1   

Iron & steel

    12,462.9        179.8        1.4        20,337.2        165.4        0.8        39,203.3        207.6        0.5        40,755.1        57.7        0.1        53,229.3        492.6        0.9   

Land transport

    53,270.5        1,182.3        2.2        59,080.3        858.7        1.5        91,140.0        891.7        1.0        129,736.4        770.4        0.6        157,938.8        1,316.0        0.8   

Food & Beverage

    18,808.9        783.5        4.2        23,567.9        801.6        3.4        34,458.0        878.2        2.5        46,444.1        829.9        1.8        69,213.0        571.7        0.8   

Consumer durables

    —          —          —          2,396.8        189.5        7.9        —          —          —          6,324.2        76.7        1.2        9,479.8        76.7        0.8   

Wholesale Trade

    9,587.6        —          —          46,003.6        365.7        0.8        68,948.3        728.6        1.1        110,828.9        638.5        0.6        178,552.2        805.8        0.5   

Activities allied to agriculture

    32,492.8        165.2        0.5        31,493.6        262.1        0.8        49,024.3        256.6        0.5        45,591.8        166.9        0.4        51,213.7        205.5        0.4   

Telecom

    10,377.8        620.2        6.0        6,376.5        59.2        0.9        14,564.7        59.2        0.4        19,053.5        77.0        0.4        17,239.0        66.1        0.4   

Chemical & Products

    —          —          —          10,455.0        129.1        1.2        —          —          —          —          —          —          27,095.7        74.2        0.3   

Miscellaneous industries

    40,999.8        92.1        0.2        46,379.9        115.2        0.2        33,930.2        178.7        0.5        12,242.2        78.5        0.6        38,076.9        97.8        0.3   

Automobile & Auto Ancillary

    —          —          —          73,784.3        9.4        —          76,336.1        266.9        0.3        70,078.3        281.8        0.4        105,073.6        254.1        0.2   

Retail Trade

    22,308.7        1,741.1        7.8        24,882.5        1,887.1        7.6        38,203.9        1,888.0        4.9        52,373.5        269.0        0.5        71,102.3        147.9        0.2   

Wood & Products

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          3,716.0        5.7        0.2   

Plastic & Products

    —          —          —          2,302.1        9.2        0.4        —          —          —          —          —          —          8,898.3        9.4        0.1   

Power

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          44,135.9        48.6        0.1        49,453.9        48.6        0.1   

Paper & paper products

    3,707.4        67.8        1.8        7,210.8        165.3        2.3        6,083.7        156.7        2.6        —          —          —          12,054.3        8.2        0.1   

Home Finance Companies

    16,675.0        99.3        0.6        35,697.6        73.3        0.2        21,160.6        50.5        0.2        12,167.8        30.1        0.2        14,175.2        5.5        —     

Services

    9,109.4        146.7        1.6        —          —          —          32,409.1        21.7        0.1        38,967.0        16.3        —          73,335.2        16.3        —     

Gems & jewelry

    7,922.7        129.0        1.6        11,369.0        129.1        1.1        14,714.9        129.1        0.9        28,992.4        134.7        0.5        41,809.8        5.6        —     

Fertilizers

    27,445.3        0.1        —          —          —          —          34,157.5        2.4        —          18,764.1        1.9        —          17,431.6        1.5        —     

Drugs & pharmaceuticals

    —          —          —          14,725.3        383.5        2.6        10,756.5        373.2        3.5        11,878.3        365.2        3.1        —          —          —     

Glass & glass products

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          5,105.8        138.4        2.7        —          —          —     

Capital Market Intermediaries

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          14,519.3        49.1        0.3        —          —          —     

Real Estate & Property Services

    —          —          —          27,051.3        18.4        0.1        39,964.8        18.4        —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Construction

    —          —          —          8,980.0        553.8        6.2        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Manufacture of metal products

    6,716.6        69.5        1.0        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Total

      19,557.5            19,262.9            20,662.4            19,034.9            21,132.1     

Specific allowance for credit losses

      13,220.6            13,820.3            16,089.8            15,316.7            16,466.9     

Non-performing loans

      6,336.9            5,442.6            4,572.6            3,718.2            4,665.2     

 

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As of March 31, 2013, our gross non-performing loan as a percentage of gross loans in the respective industries was the highest in Information Technology, Mining & Minerals and Textiles & Garments.

Information Technology

Due to lower industrial growth in the western countries and reduction of information technology (IT) budgets, the order inflow for the Indian IT companies has been slack, thereby affecting their revenues and margins. In relation to us, the problem exposure mainly pertains to a single company which was affected by high leverage and a decrease in margins. The sector is expected to benefit from the depreciation of the Rupee during the forthcoming year.

Mining & Minerals

The mining sector in India has been adversely affected by lower international demand for raw materials like iron ore and bauxite, as well as closure of several mines ordered by statutory authorities due to environmental concerns. Our exposure pertains to a single company active in bauxite mining, which is expected to stage a recovery during the forthcoming year.

Textiles & Garments

The textile industry in India depends a lot on export sales. Due to recessionary conditions in overseas markets and competition from low cost countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam there was an increase in the mortality rates in this sector.

 

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Top Ten Non-Performing Loans

As of March 31, 2013, we had 117 wholesale non-performing loans outstanding. Our top ten non-performing loans represented 19.0% of our gross non-performing loans and 0.2% of our gross loan portfolio.

The following table sets forth information regarding our ten largest non-performing loans. The table also sets forth our share of collateral value. We periodically obtain details of collateral from borrowers and external valuation reports and carry out certain procedures for updating and assessing fair values of collateral, however these procedures may not be conclusive to determine the precise net realizable values of any such collateral, which may be substantially less. Only in respect of borrower 1 is the loan collateral dependent (i.e. the borrower has no means of repaying the impaired loan other than the collateral) and as of March 31, 2013 the fair value of the collateral and our share thereof exceeds the loan amount outstanding net of allowance for credit losses. Interest payments not being serviced as of fiscal 2013 for all other loans is because of specific factors which have temporarily resulted in inadequate cash flows. The fair value of the collateral and our share thereof and the present value of expected future cash flows from these loans are adequate to cover the principal outstanding net of allowances for credit losses.

 

    

As of March 31, 2013

 
    

Industry

   Type of  banking
arrangement
   Gross
principal
outstanding
     Principal
outstanding
net
of allowance
for credit
losses
     Our share in
collateral value
     Currently
servicing
all
interest
payments
 
               (in millions)                       

Borrower 1

   Wholesale Trade    Consortium    Rs. 590.3       Rs. 145.3       Rs. 161.3         No   

Borrower 2

   Mining & Minerals    Multiple      504.4        —           —          No   

Borrower 3

   Food & Beverage    Consortium      485.9        273.6        355.6        No   

Borrower 4

   Iron & Steel    Multiple      476.2        —           —           No   

Borrower 5

   NBFC / Financial Intermediaries    Multiple      421.2        25.8        32.4        Yes   

Borrower 6

   Information Technology    Multiple      400.0        —           —           No   

Borrower 7

   Textiles & Garments    Multiple      341.6        11.9        15.2        No   

Borrower 8

   NBFC / Financial Intermediaries    Multiple      330.0        18.9        23.7        Yes   

Borrower 9

   Automobile & Auto Ancillary    Multiple      238.9        109.1        134.8        Yes   

Borrower 10

   Engineering    Consortium      233.5        9.6        12.4        No   
         Rs. 4,022.0       Rs. 594.2         

 

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Restructuring of Non-Performing Loans

Our non-performing loans are restructured on a case-by-case basis after our management has determined that restructuring is the best means of maximizing realization of the loan. These loans continue to be on a non-accrual basis and are reclassified as performing loans only after sustained performance under the loan’s renegotiated terms for a period of at least one year.

Pursuant to recently enacted regulations creating a system of “Corporate Debt Restructuring,” we may also be involuntarily required to restructure loans if decided by at least 60% of the number of lenders, holding at least 75% of the debt, in a consortium in which we participate.

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, our non-performing loans that have been restructured through rescheduling of principal repayments and deferral or waiver of interest:

 

     At March 31,  
     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Gross restructured loans

   Rs. 685.7      Rs. 1,810.0      Rs. 2,123.0      Rs. 4,353.2      Rs. 3,638.5   

Allowance for credit losses

     685.7        742.2       1,061.9       3,332.0       3,126.0  

Net restructured loan

   Rs. —        Rs. 1,067.8      Rs. 1,061.1      Rs. 1,021.2      Rs. 512.5   

Gross restructured loans as a percentage of gross non-performing loans

     3.5 %     9.4 %     10.3 %     22.9 %     17.2 %

Net restructured loans as a percentage of net non-performing loans

     —          19.6 %     23.2 %     27.5 %     11.0 %

If there is a failure to meet payment or other terms of a restructured loan, it may be considered a failed restructuring, in which case it is no longer classified as a restructured loan.

Non-Performing Loan Strategy

Our non-performing loan strategy is focused on early problem recognition and active remedial management efforts. Because we are involved primarily in working capital finance with respect to wholesale loans, we track our borrowers’ performance and liquidity on an ongoing basis. This enables us to define remedial strategies proactively and manage our exposures to industries or customers that we believe are displaying deteriorating credit trends. Relationship managers lead the recovery effort together with strong support from the credit group in the corporate office in Mumbai. Recovery is pursued, among others, through legal process, enforcement of collateral, negotiated one-time settlements and other similar strategies. The particular strategy pursued depends upon the level of cooperation of the borrower, our assessment of the borrower’s management integrity and long-term viability, the credit structure and the role of other creditors.

 

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Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, movements in our allowance for credit losses:

 

     For the years ended March 31,  
     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions)  

Specific allowance for credit losses at the beginning of the period

   Rs. 5,841.6      Rs. 13,220.6      Rs. 13,820.3      Rs. 16,089.8      Rs. 15,316.7   

Net allowance for credit losses for the period including on acquisition of CBoP:

          

Retail

     21,063.6        18,147.6        10,480.4        7,781.9        12,710.3   

Wholesale

     5,567.2        1,436.3        3,634.9        1,674.6        315.9   

Less allowances no longer required on account of write-offs

     (19,251.8 )     (18,984.2 )     (11,845.8 )     (10,229.6 )     (11,876.0

Specific allowance for credit losses at the end of period

   Rs. 13,220.6      Rs. 13,820.3      Rs. 16,089.8      Rs. 15,316.7      Rs. 16,466.9   

Unallocated allowance for credit losses at the beginning of the period

   Rs. 6,894.4      Rs. 11,330.3      Rs. 9,940.3      Rs. 9,804.5      Rs. 12,590.2   

Additions during the period

     4,435.9        (1,390.0 )     (135.8 )     2,785.7        4,637.1   

Unallocated allowance for credit losses at the end of the period

   Rs. 11,330.3      Rs. 9,940.3      Rs. 9,804.5      Rs. 12,590.2      Rs. 17,227.3   

Total allowance for credit losses at the beginning of the period

   Rs. 12,736.0      Rs. 24,550.9      Rs. 23,760.6      Rs. 25,894.3      Rs. 27,906.9   

Allowance no longer required on account of write-offs

     (19,251.8 )     (18,984.2 )     (11,845.8 )     (10,229.6 )     (11,876.0

Net addition to total allowance for the period charged to expense

     31,066.7        18,193.9        13,979.5        12,242.2        17,663.3   

Total allowance for credit losses at the end of the period

   Rs. 24,550.9      Rs. 23,760.6      Rs. 25,894.3      Rs. 27,906.9      Rs. 33,694.2   

Movements in our allowances for credit losses charged to expense do not include recoveries against write off cases amounting to Rs. 4,404.9 million and Rs. 4,975.3 million for fiscals 2012 and 2013, respectively. Allowances for credit losses for the periods presented have been disclosed net of recoveries.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the allocation of the total allowance for credit losses:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  
     (in millions)  

Wholesale

              

Allocated

   Rs. 3,806.1       Rs. 4,610.8       Rs. 7,577.5       Rs. 6,433.7       Rs. 5,754.5   

Unallocated

     814.0         985.4         1,447.5         1,207.7         2,495.7   

Subtotal

   Rs. 4,620.1       Rs. 5,596.2       Rs. 9,025.0       Rs. 7,641.4       Rs. 8,250.2   

Retail

              

Allocated

     9,414.5         9,209.5         8,512.3         8,883.0         10,712.4   

Unallocated

     10,516.3         8,954.9         8,357.0         11,382.5         14,731.6   

Subtotal

   Rs.  19,930.8       Rs.  18,164.4       Rs.  16,869.3       Rs.  20,265.5       Rs.  25,444.0   

Allowance for credit losses

   Rs.  24,550.9       Rs.  23,760.6       Rs.  25,894.3       Rs.  27,906.9       Rs.  33,694.2   

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our audited financial statements included in this report. The following discussion is based on our audited financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and on information publicly available from the RBI and other sources.

Introduction

Overview

We are a new generation private sector bank in India. Our principal business activities are retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury services. Our retail banking division provides various products such as deposit products, loans, credit cards, debit cards, third-party mutual funds and insurance products, investment advice, bill payment services and other services. Through our wholesale banking operations we provide products such as loans, deposit products, documentary credits, guarantees, bullion trading, debt syndication services and foreign exchange and derivative products. We also provide cash management services, clearing and settlement services for stock and commodity exchanges, tax and other collections for the government, custody services and correspondent banking services. Our treasury services segment undertakes trading operations on the proprietary account (including investments in government securities), foreign exchange operations and derivatives trading both on the proprietary account and customer flows and borrowings.

Our revenue consists of interest and dividend revenue as well as non-interest revenue. Our interest and dividend revenue is primarily generated by interest on loans, dividends from securities and other activities. We offer a range of loans to retail customers and working capital and term loans to corporate customers. The primary components of our securities portfolio are statutory liquidity ratio investments, credit substitutes and other investments. Statutory liquidity ratio investments principally consist of Government of India treasury securities. Credit substitute securities typically consist of commercial paper and debentures issued by the same customers with whom we have a lending relationship in our wholesale banking business. Other investments include asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities, deposit certificates issued by banks as well as equity securities and units of mutual funds. Interest revenue from other activities consists primarily of interest on our placements made to comply with the extant Reserve Bank of India guidelines on shortfalls in directed lending sub-limits and interest from inter-bank placements.

Two important measures of our results of operations are net interest revenue, which is equal to our interest and dividend revenue net of interest expense, and net interest revenue after allowance for credit losses. Interest expense includes interest on deposits as well as on borrowings. Our interest revenue and expense are affected by fluctuations in interest rates as well as volume of activity. Our interest expense is also affected by the extent to which we fund our activities with low-interest and non-interest bearing deposits, and the extent to which we rely on borrowings. Our allowance for credit losses is comprised of specific and unallocated allowances for loan loss. Impairments of credit substitutes are not included in our loan loss provision, but are reflected under “Non-interest revenue—other than temporary losses on available for sale securities” in our consolidated statements of income.

We also use net interest margin and spread to measure our results. Net interest margin represents the ratio of net interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. Spread represents the difference between yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities, including current accounts which are non-interest bearing.

Our non-interest revenue includes fee and commission income, realized gains and losses on sales of securities and spread from foreign exchange and derivative transactions and income from affiliates. Our principal sources of fee and commission revenue are retail banking services, retail asset fees and charges, credit card fees, home loan sourcing commissions, cash management services, documentary credits and bank guarantees, distribution of third party mutual funds and insurance products and capital market services.

 

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Our non-interest expense includes expenses for salaries and staff benefits, premises and equipment maintenance, depreciation and amortization, administrative and other expenses and amortization of intangible assets. The costs of outsourcing back office and other functions are included in administrative and other expenses.

Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by general economic conditions prevailing in India. It was a challenging year for the Indian economy with lingering concerns over global growth prospects and financial stability weighing on external demand and international funding. Further, local headwinds such as inflation and policy impediments exacerbated the impact of a shaky global environment on domestic growth. The lagged effect of aggressive monetary tightening between January 2010 and March 2012 curtailed leveraged spending while a weak monsoon created a drag on rural demand pulling private consumption growth lower from 5.5% for fiscal 2012 to 3.3% for fiscal 2013. Further, policy hurdles such as land acquisition problems and environmental clearances continued to dampen investment momentum dragging investment growth lower to 3.0% from 5.3% a year ago despite efforts by the Government to clear these roadblocks. The intensification of the debt crisis in Europe, fiscal worries in the United States as well as a moderation in emerging markets across the globe pulled down export growth sharply to 5.0% from close to 15.3%, weakening a vital support to the GDP growth in fiscal 2012.

Unlike last year when the drag from local and global dampeners was largely concentrated on the industrial sector, the slowdown in growth was more broad-based in fiscal 2013. While industrial growth remained weak slowing from 3.5% in fiscal 2012 to 3.0% in fiscal 2013, service sector growth also fell sharply from 8.2% in fiscal 2012 to 6.6% in fiscal 2013. The industrial slowdown had an impact on private services such as trade, transportation, communication, finance, insurance, and real estate, and a fiscal compression drive pulled public services such as community, social and personal services lower. The slowdown in both industry and services was exacerbated by a weak monsoon that is likely to have dragged agricultural growth lower to 2.0% from 3.6% a year ago. As a result, GDP growth for fiscal 2013 slowed to 5.0% from 6.2% in fiscal 2012.

Despite a slowdown in growth over fiscal 2013, India has continued to outperform the global economy. With world output growth likely to remain relatively feeble at 3.5% in 2013 against 3.0% in 2012, structural supports from a rapidly expanding rural and semi-urban economy, favorable demographics and low product penetration are likely to continue to keep domestic growth higher than world growth.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have set forth below some of our critical accounting policies under U. S. GAAP. Investors should keep in mind that we prepare our general purpose financial statements in accordance with Indian GAAP and also report to the RBI and the Indian stock exchanges in accordance with Indian GAAP. In certain circumstances, we may take action that is required or permitted by Indian banking regulations which may have consequences under Indian GAAP that may be different from those under U.S. GAAP.

Allowance for Loan Losses

We provide an allowance for credit losses based on management’s best estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio which includes troubled debt restructuring. The allowance for credit losses consists of allowances for retail loans and wholesale loans.

Retail

Our retail loan loss allowance consists of specific and unallocated allowances.

 

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We establish a specific allowance on the retail loan portfolio based on factors such as the nature of the product, delinquency levels or the number of days the loan is past due and the nature of the security available. Additionally we monitor loan to value ratios for loan against securities. The loans are charged off against allowances typically when the account becomes 150 to 1,083 days past due depending on the type of loans. The defined delinquency levels at which major loan types are charged off are 150 days past due for personal loans and credit card receivables, 180 days past due for auto loans, commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance, 720 days past due for housing loans and on a customer by customer basis in respect of retail business banking when management believes that any future cash flows from these loans are remote including realization of collateral, if applicable, and where any restructuring or any other settlement arrangements are not feasible.

We also record unallocated allowances for retail loans by product type. Our retail loan portfolio is comprised of groups of several small value homogeneous loans. We establish an unallocated allowance for loans in each product group based on our estimate of the overall portfolio quality, asset growth, economic conditions and other risk factors. We estimate our unallocated allowance for retail loans based on an internal credit slippage matrix, which measures our historic losses for our standard loan portfolio. Subsequent recoveries, if any, against write-off cases, are adjusted to provision for credit losses in the consolidated statement of income.

Wholesale

The allowance for wholesale loans consists of specific and unallocated components. The allowance for such credit losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s view of the probability of recovery of loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, factors affecting the industry to which the loan exposure relates and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes that the loan balance cannot be recovered. Subsequent recoveries, if any, against write-off cases, are adjusted to provision for credit losses in the consolidated statement of income.

We grade our wholesale loan accounts considering both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Wholesale loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, the financial condition of the borrower, the value of collateral held, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.

We establish specific allowances for each impaired wholesale loan customer in the aggregate for all facilities, including term loans, cash credits, bills discounted and lease finance, based on either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the net realizable value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Wholesale loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not classified as impaired but are placed on a surveillance watch list and closely monitored for deterioration. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, market information, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

In light of the significant growth in the size and diversity of our wholesale loan portfolio, we have also established an unallocated allowance for wholesale standard loans based on the overall portfolio quality, asset growth, economic conditions and other risk factors. We estimate our wholesale unallocated allowance based on an internal credit slippage matrix, which measures our historic losses for our standard loan portfolio.

 

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Revenue Recognition

Interest income from loans and from investments is recognized on an accrual basis using effective interest method when earned except in respect of loans or investments placed on non-accrual status, where it is recognized when received. We generally do not charge upfront loan origination fees. Nominal application fees are charged which offset the related costs incurred. Customer acquisition costs are deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment over the life of the loan. Fees and commissions from guarantees issued are amortized over the contractual period of the commitment, provided the amounts are collectible. Dividends from investments are recognized when declared. Realized gains and losses on sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the weighted average cost method. Other fees and income are recognized when earned, which is when the service that results in the income has been provided. We amortize the annual fees on credit cards over the contractual period of the fees.

Investments in Securities

Investments consist of securities purchased as part of our treasury operations, such as government securities and other debt and equity securities, investments purchased as part of our wholesale banking operations, such as credit substitute securities issued by our wholesale banking customers. Credit substitute securities typically consist of commercial paper and debentures issued by the same customers with whom we have a lending relationship in our wholesale banking business.

Securities that are held principally for resale in the near term are classified as held for trading (“HFT”), with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity (“HTM”).

Equity securities with readily determinable fair values and debt securities that are not classified as held to maturity or held for trading are classified as available for sale (“AFS”). Unrealized gains and losses on such securities, net of applicable taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

We generally report our investments in debt and equity securities at fair value, except for debt securities classified as HTM securities, which are reported at amortized cost. Fair values are based on market quotations where a market quotation is available and otherwise based on present values at current interest rates for such investments.

Declines in the fair values of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their carrying value that are other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses, based on management’s best estimate of the fair value of the investment. We identify other than temporary declines based on an evaluation of all significant factors, including the length of time and extent to which fair value is less than carrying value and the financial condition and economic prospects of the issuer. Estimates of any declines in the fair values of credit substitute securities that are other than temporary are measured on a case-by-case basis together with loans to those customers. We do not recognize impairment for debt securities if the cause of the decline is related solely to interest rate increase and we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Additional disclosures have been provided on impairment status in Note 6 and Note 8 and on concentrations of credit risk in Note 12 of the Financial Statements.

Business Combination

We account for acquired businesses using the purchase method of accounting which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. The application of the purchase method requires certain estimates and assumptions especially concerning the determination of the fair values of the acquired intangible assets and property, plant and equipment as well as the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition. Moreover the useful lives of the acquired intangible assets, property, plant and equipment have to be determined. The judgments made in the context of the purchase price allocation can materially impact our future results of operations. The valuations are based on information available at the acquisition date. Purchase consideration in excess of a bank’s interest and the acquiree’s net fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities is recognized as goodwill. Our acquisition of CBoP was accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business combinations”, which was the then applicable accounting standard.

 

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill arising from a business combination is not amortized but is tested for impairment in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20 “Goodwill”. Under applicable accounting guidance, goodwill is reviewed at the reporting unit level for potential impairment at least on an annual basis at the end of the reporting period, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment. This analysis is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step must be performed. The second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated possible impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. The adjustments to measure the assets, liabilities and intangibles at fair value are for the purpose of measuring the implied fair value of goodwill and such adjustments are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss recognized cannot exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted under applicable accounting standards. We examined our goodwill that had arisen on acquisition of CBoP for possible impairment as of March 31, 2013. The results of the first step of the impairment test showed no indication of impairment. Accordingly we did not perform the second step of the impairment test.

Intangible assets consist of our branch network, representing contractual and non-contractual customer relationships, customer list, core deposit intangibles and favorable leases. These are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets is computed in a manner that best reflects the economic benefits of the intangible assets as follows:

 

     Useful lives
(years)
   Amortization
method
 

Branch network

   6      Straight-line   

Customer lists

   2      Straight-line   

Core deposit

   5      Straight-line   

Favorable leases

   1 to 15      Straight-line   

For intangible assets subject to amortization, impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset.

 

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Branch network intangible represents the benefit that we received through the acquisition of a ready branch network from CBoP as opposed to having to build a new one. The fair value attributable to the branch network intangible is the difference in the present values of the earnings (net of costs) that we would have generated if we had set up our own branches/ATMs (the “Hypothetical New Branch Network Earnings”) and the earnings (net of costs) that were generated because of the acquisition of CBoP (the “CBoP Branch Network Earnings”). Similar streams of revenues and operating costs (and therefore profits) from CBoP existing customer base and loan portfolio (includes net interest income, fees and commission) have been considered in determining the values of the Hypothetical New Branch Network Earnings and the CBoP Branch Network Earnings. Other assets including intangibles such as customer list, core deposits, loans, premises and equipment have been considered as assets of Hypothetical New Branch Network Earnings and the CBoP Branch Network Earnings and the value of these assets have been included in both of the Networks. The aforesaid present values to compute the said intangible assets was intended to capture the advantages that we received through the acquisition of a ready branch network from CBoP (as opposed to having to build a new one) in terms of time and of avoiding the administrative process required to obtaining branch licenses from the RBI. We calculated the value of the customer list intangible through the cost approach by considering the estimated direct unit costs to source these customers multiplied by the number of customers. We used the cost savings approach, i.e. the difference between the estimated cost of funds on deposit (interest cost and net maintenance costs) and the estimated cost of an equal amount of funds from an alternative source to calculate the core deposit intangible. The valuation of favorable leases intangibles was based on the cost saving to us and future economic benefit till the lease expiry.

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820 (Topic 820) “Fair Value Measures and Disclosures” establishes a fair value hierarchy structure that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. ASC 820 distinguishes between inputs that are based on observed market data and unobservable inputs that reflect market participants’ assumptions. It emphasizes the use of valuation methodologies that maximize market inputs. For financial instruments carried at fair value, the best evidence of fair value is a quoted price in an actively traded market (Level 1). Where the market for a financial instrument is not active, valuation techniques are used. The majority of valuation techniques use market inputs that are either observable or indirectly derived from and corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the financial instrument (Level 2). Because Level 1 and Level 2 instruments are determined by observable inputs, less judgment is applied in determining their fair values. In the absence of observable market inputs, the financial instrument is valued based on valuation techniques that feature one or more significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The determination of the level of fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement of an asset or a liability is classified often requires judgment. We consider the following factors in developing the fair value hierarchy:

 

   

whether the asset or liability is transacted in an active market with a quoted market price that is readily available;

 

   

the size of transactions occurring in an active market;

 

   

the level of bid-ask spreads;

 

   

whether only a few transactions are observed over a significant period of time;

 

   

whether the inputs to the valuation techniques can be derived from or corroborated with market data; and

 

   

whether significant adjustments are made to the observed pricing information or model output to determine the fair value.

Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that the reporting entity has the ability to access for the identical assets or liabilities. A financial instrument is classified as a Level 1 measurement if it is listed on an exchange. We regard financial instruments such as equity securities and bonds listed on the primary exchanges of a country to be actively traded.

 

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Level 2 inputs are inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument but do not qualify as Level 1 inputs. We generally classify derivative contracts and investments in debt securities, units of mutual funds, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities as Level 2 measurements. Currently, substantially all such items qualify as Level 2 measurements. Level 2 items are fair valued using quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable estimates that management expects market participants would use to determine the fair value of the asset or liability. That is, Level 3 inputs incorporate market participants’ assumptions about risk and the risk premium required by market participants in order to bear that risk. We develop Level 3 inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances.

If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time.

We review and update our fair value hierarchy classifications semi-annually. Changes from one half year to the next related to the observability of inputs to a fair value measurement may result in a reclassification between hierarchy levels. Imprecision in estimating unobservable market inputs can impact the amount of revenue, loss or changes in common shareholder’s equity recorded for a particular financial instrument. Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. See Note 33, “Fair Value Measurement” for further details including the classification hierarchy associated with assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

As of March 31, 2013, our Level 3 instruments measured at fair value were nil.

A control framework has been established which is designed to ensure that fair values are either determined or validated by a function independent of the risk-taker. To that end, the ultimate responsibility for the validation of the valuation model rests with the treasury analytics section. The valuation model is also reviewed by the market risk department. The middle office department, which functions independent of the risk taker, is responsible for reporting fair values. Wherever necessary the valuation model is vetted through independent experts. In addition, the model prices are compared with market maker quotes. The types of valuation techniques used include present value based models, Black-Scholes valuation models, including variations and interest rate models as used by market practitioners. Where appropriate the models are calibrated to market prices. The models used apply appropriate control processes and procedures to ensure that the derived inputs are used to value only those instruments that share similar risk to the relevant benchmark indexes and therefore demonstrate a similar response to market factors. Market data used along with interpolation techniques are as per market conventions.

The validation process consists of an independent validation of the pricing model. The pricing model validation for significant product variants are conducted using an external validation agency or authority. In addition the model prices are also validated by comparing with market maker quotes. All market data conventions are adhered to in terms of yield curve components, volatility surfaces and calibration instruments.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Effective

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Topic 210) (“ASU 2011-11”). ASU 2011-11 requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, which clarifies the scope of ASU 2011-11 by limiting the disclosures to derivatives, repurchase agreements, and securities lending transactions to the extent they are subject to an enforceable master netting or similar arrangement. The updates will not affect our consolidated financial position or results of operations since they amend only the disclosure requirements for offsetting financial instruments.

In July 2012, FASB issued ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (Topic 350)” (“ASU 2012-02”), which amends the guidance in ASC 350-30. Under the revised guidance, entities testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment have the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing quantitative assessment steps. If based on the qualitative assessment, an entity concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then the entity must complete the quantitative tests to determine if the asset is impaired. If an entity concludes otherwise, quantitative tests are not required. This new guidance will be effective for the interim or annual periods beginning on or after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02, requires an entity to disclose the effect on net income line items from significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and entirely into net income. However, for those reclassifications that are partially or entirely capitalized on the balance sheet, then entities must provide a cross-reference to disclosures that provide information about the effect of the reclassifications. ASU 2013-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Merger of Centurion Bank of Punjab

During fiscal 2009, the Reserve Bank of India accorded its consent to the Scheme of Amalgamation of Centurion Bank of Punjab Limited (“CBoP”) with HDFC Bank Limited. Pursuant to the order of amalgamation, the operations of both banks were merged with effect from May 23, 2008. On June 24, 2008 our Share Allotment Committee approved the allocation of 349,419,780 equity shares of Rs. 2.0 each to the shareholders of CBoP pursuant to the share swap ratio of five equity shares of Rs. 2.0 each of HDFC Bank Limited for every twenty nine equity shares of Rs. 1.00 each held in CBoP by them as on the record date (viz. June 16, 2008). The amalgamation was accounted for as a business combination under the purchase method of accounting.

 

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Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012

Net Interest Revenue after Allowance for Credit Losses

Our net interest revenue after allowances for credit losses increased by 21.8% from Rs. 118.6 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 144.4 billion in fiscal 2013. Our net interest margin remained stable at 4.6% in fiscal 2013. The following table sets out the components of net interest revenue after allowance for credit losses:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2012      2013      Increase/
(Decrease)
     % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Interest on loans

   Rs. 210,315.7      Rs. 271,730.5      Rs. 61,414.8         29.2 %

Interest on securities, including dividends and interest on trading assets

     60,677.2        72,334.2        11,657.0         19.2  

Other interest revenue

     6,547.1        9,813.8        3,266.7         49.9  

Total interest and dividend revenue

     277,540.0        353,878.5        76,338.5         27.5  

Interest on deposits

     126,783.1        163,092.7        36,309.6         28.6  

Interest on short-term borrowings

     12,233.8        13,888.4        1,654.6         13.5  

Interest on long term debt

     11,988.5        19,556.9        7,568.4         63.1  

Other interest expense

     142.6        264.0        121.4         85.1  

Total interest expense

     151,148.0        196,802.0        45,654.0         30.2  

Net interest revenue

   Rs. 126,392.0      Rs. 157,076.5      Rs. 30,684.5         24.3 %

Less allowance for credit losses:

           

Retail

     6,445.6        11,107.1        4,661.5         72.3  

Wholesale

     1,391.7        1,580.9        189.2         13.6  

Total

   Rs. 7,837.3      Rs. 12,688.0      Rs. 4,850.7         61.9 %

Net interest revenue after allowance for credit losses

   Rs. 118,554.7       Rs. 144,388.5       Rs. 25,833.8         21.8

Interest and Dividend Revenue

Interest income on loans increased by 29.2% primarily due to an increase in our average loan book. Average volumes of our total loan book increased by 25.6% from Rs. 1,854.4 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 2,328.3 billion in fiscal 2013. Our average volume of retail loans increased by 37.0% from Rs. 1,094.6 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 1,499.2 billion in fiscal 2013. The growth in retail loans was across the product segments. Our average volume of wholesale loans increased by 9.1% from Rs. 759.8 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 829.2 billion in fiscal 2013. Retail loan yields decreased marginally to 12.6% in fiscal 2013 as compared to 12.8% in fiscal 2012. Wholesale loan yields increased from 9.2% in fiscal 2012 to 9.9% in fiscal 2013.

Interest on securities, including dividends, increased by 19.2% from Rs. 60.7 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 72.3 billion in fiscal 2013, driven by an increase of Rs. 133.3 billion in average volume of investments and a marginal rise in yields from 8.0% in fiscal 2012 to 8.1% in fiscal 2013.

Other interest revenue increased by 49.9% for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 due to an increase in interest from our placements with central government bodies which are made to comply with the extant Reserve Bank of India guidelines on shortfall in priority sector lending sub-limits and term placements with other banks. Average placements with central government bodies increased by Rs. 30.4 billion in fiscal 2013 and yields thereon increased from 4.7% in fiscal 2012 to 4.9% in fiscal 2013.

 

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Interest Expense

Our interest expense on deposits increased by 28.6% from Rs. 126.8 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 163.1 billion in fiscal 2013 due to an increase in average interest bearing deposits by 23.0% from Rs. 1,825.0 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 2,245.5 billion in fiscal 2013.

There was an increase in the average volume of our savings accounts from Rs. 657.1 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 764.2 billion in fiscal 2013 and an increase in the average volume of our time deposits from Rs. 1,168.0 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 1,481.3 billion in fiscal 2013. Increase in our average cost of deposits further augmented the increase in interest expense on deposits. Our average cost of deposits increased from 5.7% in fiscal 2012 to 6.1% in fiscal 2013 as a result of a decrease in the proportion of average current and savings account balances to average total deposits from 47.3% to 44.3%. There was an increase in the average cost of time deposits from 8.6% in fiscal 2012 to 9.0% in fiscal 2013.

Our interest expense on short-term borrowings increased by 14.3% from Rs. 12.4 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 14.2 billion in fiscal 2013 mainly on account of an increase in our average volumes of short-term borrowings which increased by 23.7% from Rs. 195.5 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 241.9 billion in fiscal 2013. This was partially off-set by a decrease in our cost of short-term borrowings from 6.3% in fiscal 2012 to 5.9% in fiscal 2013. Our interest expense on long-term debt increased by 63.1%. This was largely attributable to the Rs. 60.5 billion lower tier II debt capital we raised during fiscal 2013. Our average volumes of long-term debt increased from Rs. 148.2 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 234.5 billion in fiscal 2013.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Our loan loss allowance for credit losses consists of specific and unallocated components. Allowances for credit losses increased by 61.9% from Rs. 7.8 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 12.7 billion in fiscal 2013.

This increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the allowances for credit losses in our retail loan portfolio which increased by 72.3% from Rs. 6.4 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 11.1 billion in fiscal 2013. The increase was primarily due to higher allowances in our commercial vehicle and equipment finance loans. An unfavorable economic situation characterized by sluggish road freight demand on account of continued moderation in industrial activity and compression in margins for truck operators due to a sustained gradual increase in diesel prices and the inability to pass on the increase in operating costs on account of slowdown in mining and iron ore freight movement, led to an increase in the delinquency of these loans. This was further augmented by higher retail unallocated allowances, which increased by 10.7% from Rs. 3.0 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 3.3 billion in fiscal 2013. This increase was mainly attributable to the growth in our retail loan portfolio and expected losses thereon. Average volume of our retail loans increased by 37.0% from Rs. 1,094.6 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 1,499.2 billion in fiscal 2013.

Our loan loss allowance for credit losses in our wholesale loan portfolio increased by 13.6% from Rs. 1.4 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 1.6 billion in fiscal 2013. This increase was primarily on account of an increase in our wholesale unallocated allowances which was attributable to the growth in our wholesale loan portfolio and expected losses thereon. The average volume of our wholesale loans increased by 9.1% from Rs. 759.8 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 829.2 billion in fiscal 2013.

Non-Interest Revenue

Our non-interest revenue increased by 23.9% from Rs. 52.6 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 65.2 billion in fiscal 2013. The following table sets forth the components of our non-interest revenue:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2012     2013      Increase/
(Decrease)
    % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Fees and commissions

   Rs. 44,867.2     Rs. 53,989.6       Rs. 9,122.4        20.3 %

Realized gains/(losses) on AFS securities

     (2,614.3 )     681.5         3,295.8        *   

Trading securities gain/(loss), net

     (154.7 )     105.0         259.7        *   

Foreign exchange transactions

     7,531.5       9,727.0         2,195.5        29.2   

Derivatives gains/(loss)

     2,788.7        241.9         (2,546.8     (91.3

Other

     177.1       432.4         255.3        144.2  

Total non-interest revenue

   Rs. 52,595.5     Rs. 65,177.4       Rs. 12,581.9        23.9 %

 

* Not meaningful

 

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Fees and commissions increased by 20.3% from Rs. 44.9 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 54.0 billion in fiscal 2013 primarily on account of an increase in fees and commissions generated by the retail segment. This increase was primarily attributable to fees and charges on retail asset products, fees on credit cards, transactional charges and fees on deposit accounts and fees earned from distribution of insurance products. Fees and charges on retail asset products were primarily comprised of processing fees on new loans, foreclosure charges and fees from the sourcing of home loans. An increase in volume of credit card spends led to higher interchange income. Fees and commissions earned from our wholesale segment increased mainly on account of increase in income from our consignment bullion business.

Realized gains on AFS securities were primarily on account of sale of government of India securities which was partially offset by other than temporary impairment losses recognized in some of our investment securities. Gain on trading securities was primarily attributable to mark-to-market gains.

Income from foreign exchange transactions increased from Rs. 7.5 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 9.7 billion in fiscal 2013, mainly on account of improvement in spreads on trades with non-bank customers. In fiscal 2013, derivative transactions (unadjusted for credit spread) resulted in income of Rs. 0.3 billion. The income during fiscal 2013 was primarily on account of income of Rs. 3.1 billion from forward exchange contracts which was primarily attributable to cancellations of forward exchange contracts by non-bank customers. This income was offset by loss of Rs. 2.2 billion from interest rate derivatives and loss of Rs. 0.7 billion from currency options and currency swaps. Loss from interest rate derivatives was largely attributable to mark-to-market loss on account of decline in interest rates during fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2012, derivative transactions (unadjusted for credit spread) resulted in income of Rs. 3.6 billion which includes gain of Rs. 2.6 billion from forward exchange contracts and gain from currency swaps and currency options of Rs. 1.7 billion. Gain from derivative transactions (net of loss of Rs. 0.1 billion on account of credit spread) was Rs. 0.2 billion in fiscal 2013 as compared to a gain of Rs. 2.8 billion (net of loss of Rs. 0.8 billion on account of credit spread) in fiscal 2012.

Non-Interest Expense

Our non-interest expense was comprised of the following:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2012      2013      Increase/
(Decrease)
    % Increase/
(Decrease)
    2012 % of
net revenues
    2013 % of
net revenues
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Salaries and staff benefits

   Rs. 45,791.3      Rs. 53,954.1      Rs. 8,162.8       17.8 %     26.8 %     25.7 %

Premises and equipment

     14,595.1        17,391.4        2,796.3       19.2       8.5       8.3  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,588.7        6,686.2        1,097.5       19.6       3.3       3.2  

Administrative and other

     29,009.5        37,254.9        8,245.4       28.4       16.9       17.8  

Amortization of intangibles

     2,328.9        2,304.5        (24.4     (1.0     1.4       1.1  

Total non-interest expense

   Rs. 97,313.5      Rs. 117,591.1      Rs. 20,277.6       20.8 %     56.9 %     56.1 %

Total non-interest expense increased by 20.8% from Rs. 97.3 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 117.6 billion in fiscal 2013. As a percentage of our net revenues, non-interest expense was 56.1% in fiscal 2013 as compared to 56.9% in fiscal 2012.

As of March 31, 2013, we had 3,062 branches and 10,743 ATMs across 1,845 locations, which increased from 2,544 branches and 8,913 ATMs across 1,399 locations as of March 31, 2012. This led to an overall increase in our non-interest expense.

Salaries and staff benefits increased by 17.8% from Rs. 45.8 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 54.0 billion in fiscal 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in staff salaries and allowances and in the number of employees from 66,076 as of March 31, 2012 to 69,065 employees as of March 31, 2013.

 

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Premises and equipment costs increased on account of an increase in rent, electricity, housekeeping, security, equipment maintenance and other infrastructure costs relating to the expanded branch network.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased due to the increase in our distribution network and higher spending on technology and infrastructure to support our growth.

Administrative and other expenses increased primarily on account of higher printing and stationery, postage and communication and insurance costs.

We continued to amortize the intangible assets that were acquired on the merger of CBoP—i.e. our branch network representing contractual and non-contractual customer relationships, customer list, core deposit intangible, and favorable leases—over their estimated remaining useful life. This amortization resulted in a charge of Rs. 2.3 billion in fiscal 2013.

Income Tax

Our income tax expense, net of interest earned on income tax refunds amounting to Rs. 1.1 billion, increased by 25.2%, from Rs. 23.8 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 29.8 billion in fiscal 2013. Our effective tax rate was 32.3% in fiscal 2012 and 32.4% in fiscal 2013. The effective tax rate was higher in fiscal 2013 primarily on account of lower tax free income from our investments.

The following table gives a reconciliation of the Indian statutory income tax rate to our annual effective income tax rate for fiscals 2012 and 2013:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2012     2013  

Effective statutory income tax rate

     32.45 %     32.45 %

Adjustments to reconcile statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate:

    

Stock-based compensation (net of forfeitures)

     1.72       1.60  

Income exempt from taxes

     (1.33 )     (0.65 )

Interest on income tax refunds

     (0.88 )     (0.83 )

Other, net

     0.13       (0.13 )

Effect of change in statutory tax rate

     0.18       —    

Annual effective income tax rate

     32.27 %     32.44 %

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing factors, our net income after taxes increased by 24.2% from Rs. 49.8 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 61.8 billion in fiscal 2013.

 

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Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2011

Net Interest Revenue after Allowance for Credit Losses

Our net interest revenue after allowances for credit losses increased by 20.0% from Rs. 98.8 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 118.6 billion in fiscal 2012. Our net interest margin declined marginally from 4.8% in fiscal 2011 to 4.6% in fiscal 2012. The following table sets out the components of net interest revenue after allowance for credit losses:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011      2012      Increase/
(Decrease)
    % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Interest on loans

   Rs. 153,719.7      Rs. 210,315.7      Rs. 56,596.0       36.8 %

Interest on securities, including dividends and interest on trading assets

     43,753.6        60,677.2        16,923.6       38.7  

Other interest revenue

     4,778.7        6,547.1        1,768.4       37.0  

Total interest and dividend revenue

     202,252.0        277,540.0        75,288.0       37.2  

Interest on deposits

     80,216.3        126,783.1        46,566.8       58.1  

Interest on short-term borrowings

     5,357.1        12,233.8        6,876.7       128.4  

Interest on long term debt

     8,224.9        11,988.5        3,763.6       45.8  

Other interest expense

     51.4        142.6        91.2       177.4  

Total interest expense

     93,849.7        151,148.0        57,298.3       61.1  

Net interest revenue

   Rs. 108,402.3      Rs. 126,392.0      Rs. 17,989.7       16.6 %

Less allowance for credit losses:

          

Retail

     5,585.5        6,445.6        860.1       15.4  

Wholesale

     4,036.4        1,391.7        (2,644.7 )     (65.5 )

Total

   Rs. 9,621.9      Rs. 7,837.3      Rs. (1,784.6 )     (18.5 )%

Net interest revenue after allowance for credit losses

   Rs. 98,780.4      Rs. 118,554.7      Rs. 19,774.3       20.0 %

Interest and Dividend Revenue

Interest income on loans increased by 36.8% primarily due to an increase in our average loan book. Average volumes of our total loan book increased by 23.0% from Rs. 1,507.9 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 1,854.4 billion in fiscal 2012. Our average volume of retail loans increased by 37.1% from Rs. 798.5 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 1,094.6 billion in fiscal 2012. The growth in retail loans was across the product segments. Our average volume of wholesale loans increased by 7.1% from Rs. 709.4 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 759.8 billion in fiscal 2012.

Income from the increase in average volumes of our loans was further augmented by an increase in yields from an average of 10.2% in fiscal 2011 to 11.3% in fiscal 2012. The increase in yields was in line with higher cost of funds due to rising interest rates scenario during fiscal 2012. Retail loan yields increased from 12.2% in fiscal 2011 to 12.8% in fiscal 2012. Wholesale loan yields increased from 8.0% in fiscal 2011 to 9.2% in fiscal 2012.

Interest on securities, including dividends, increased by 38.7% from Rs. 43.8 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 60.7 billion in fiscal 2012, driven by an increase of Rs. 130.5 billion in average volume of investments and an increase in yields from 6.9% in fiscal 2011 to 8.0% in fiscal 2012.

Other interest revenue increased by 37.0% for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 mainly due to an increase in interest from our placements with central government bodies. These placements are made to comply with the extant Reserve Bank of India guidelines on shortfall in priority sector lending sub-limits. These placements increased by Rs. 35.0 billion in fiscal 2012. Yield from these placements in fiscal 2012 was low at 4.7%.

 

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Interest Expense

Our interest expense on deposits increased by 58.1% from Rs. 80.2 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 126.8 billion in fiscal 2012 due to an increase in average interest earning deposits by 21.3% from Rs. 1,504.6 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 1,825.0 billion in fiscal 2012.

There was an increase in the average volume of our savings accounts from Rs. 562.3 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 657.1 billion in fiscal 2012 and an increase in the average volume of our time deposits from Rs. 942.3 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 1,168.0 billion in fiscal 2012. Increase in our average cost of deposits further augmented the increase in interest expense on deposits. Our average cost of deposits increased from 4.3% in fiscal 2011 to 5.7% in fiscal 2012 as a result of a decrease in the proportion of average current and savings account balances to average total deposits from 49.5% to 47.3%. There was an increase in the average cost of time deposits from 6.4% in fiscal 2011 to 8.6% in fiscal 2012. In addition, the average cost of savings accounts increased from 3.5% in fiscal 2011 to 4.0% in fiscal 2012 due to a regulatory change effective May 2011.

Our interest expense on short-term borrowings increased by 128.8% from Rs. 5.4 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 12.4 billion in fiscal 2012 mainly on account of an increase in our average volumes of short-term borrowings which increased by 91.6% from Rs. 102.0 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 195.5 billion in fiscal 2012 and an increase in our cost of short-term borrowings from 5.3% in fiscal 2011 to 6.3% in fiscal 2012. Our interest expense on long-term debt increased by 45.8%. This was largely attributable to the Rs. 36.5 billion lower tier II debt capital we raised in the first half of fiscal 2012. Our average volumes of long-term debt increased from Rs. 101.2 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 148.2 billion in fiscal 2012.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Our loan loss allowance for credit losses consists of specific and unallocated components. Allowances for credit losses decreased by 18.5% from Rs. 9.6 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 7.8 billion in fiscal 2012.

This reduction was mainly attributable to a decrease in the allowances for credit losses in our wholesale loan portfolio which decreased by 65.5% from Rs. 4.0 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 1.4 billion in fiscal 2012. Due to problems afflicting the micro finance institution (MFI) sector in India, including certain of our MFI loans, in fiscal 2011 we made allowances for credit losses which was the primary reason for a higher wholesale loan allowance in that fiscal.

Decrease in our wholesale loan allowance was partially offset by increase in our retail loan allowance which increased by 15.4% from Rs. 5.6 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 6.4 billion in fiscal 2012. This increase was primarily on account of an increase in our retail unallocated allowances which was attributable to the growth in our retail loan portfolio and expected losses thereon. Average volume of our retail loans increased by 37.1% from Rs. 798.5 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 1,094.6 billion in fiscal 2012.

Non-Interest Revenue

Our non-interest revenue increased by 12.3% from Rs. 46.8 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 52.6 billion in fiscal 2012. The following table sets forth the components of our non-interest revenue:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     Increase/
(Decrease)
    % Increase/
(Decrease)
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Fees and commissions

   Rs. 38,718.9      Rs. 44,867.2      Rs. 6,148.3        15.9 %

Realized gains/(losses) on AFS securities

     189.0       (2,614.3     (2,803.3     *   

Trading securities loss, net

     (598.3 )     (154.7 )     443.6        *   

Foreign exchange transactions

     12,283.4       7,531.5        (4,751.9     (38.7 )

Derivatives gains/(loss)

     (3,873.8 )     2,788.7       6,662.5        (172.0 )

Other

     96.2       177.1       80.9        84.1  

Total non-interest revenue

   Rs. 46,815.4      Rs. 52,595.5      Rs. 5,780.1        12.3 %

 

* Not meaningful

 

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Fees and commissions increased by 15.9% from Rs. 38.7 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 44.9 billion in fiscal 2012 primarily on account of an increase in fees and commissions generated by the retail segment. This increase was primarily attributable to fees and charges on retail asset products, fees on debit cards and credit cards and transactional charges and fees on deposit accounts. Fees and charges on retail asset products were primarily comprised of processing fees on new loans, foreclosure charges and fees from the sourcing of home loans. There was an increase in ATM fees and debit card charges due to increased volume of ATM and debit card transactions. Also higher volume in credit card spends led to higher interchange income. The increase in fees and commissions in the retail segment was partially offset by a drop in income from distribution of third party insurance products on account of lower distribution commission rates. Fees and commissions earned from our wholesale segment increased mainly on account of increase in income from our non-funded business and processing fee income.

Realized losses on AFS securities were primarily from sale and other than temporary impairment of units of mutual funds. Losses on trading securities were primarily from the sale of government securities.

Income from foreign exchange transactions decreased from Rs. 12.3 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 7.5 billion in fiscal 2012, mainly on account of reduction in gain from the realized foreign exchange transactions largely attributable to movement in exchange rates. In fiscal 2012, derivative transactions (unadjusted for credit spread) resulted in income of Rs. 3.6 billion. Income during fiscal 2012 was primarily on account of income from forward exchange contracts of Rs. 2.6 billion largely attributable to cancellations of forward exchange contracts by non-bank customers. In addition, there was a gain of Rs. 1.7 billion from currency swaps and currency options, which was marginally offset by a loss of Rs. 0.7 billion from interest rate derivatives. This gain was largely attributable to mark to market gains driven primarily by increase in interest rates and depreciation of Indian rupee. The Indian rupee depreciated against the U.S. dollar from Rs. 44.6 per USD in March 2011 to Rs. 50.9 per USD in March 2012. In fiscal 2011, derivative transactions (unadjusted for credit spread) resulted in a loss of Rs. 4.4 billion which includes loss on interest rate derivatives and forward exchange contracts of Rs. 1.8 billion and Rs. 1.7 billion respectively. Income from derivative transactions (net of loss of Rs. 0.8 billion on account of increase in credit spread) was Rs. 2.8 billion in fiscal 2012 as compared to a loss of Rs. 3.9 billion (net of gain of Rs. 0.5 billion on account of reduction in credit spread) in fiscal 2011.

Non- Interest Expense

Our non-interest expense was comprised of the following:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011      2012      Increase/
(Decrease)
    % Increase/
(Decrease)
    2011 % of
net revenues
    2012 % of
net revenues
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Salaries and staff benefits

   Rs. 37,865.6       Rs. 45,791.3       Rs. 7,925.7        20.9 %     26.0 %     26.8 %

Premises and equipment

     12,419.8         14,595.1         2,175.3        17.5       8.5       8.5  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,138.6         5,588.7         450.1        8.8       3.5       3.3  

Administrative and other

     24,387.6         29,009.5         4,621.9        19.0       16.8       16.9  

Amortization of intangibles

     2,558.6         2,328.9         (229.7     (9.0 )     1.8       1.4  

Total non-interest expense

   Rs. 82,370.2       Rs. 97,313.5       Rs. 14,943.3        18.1 %     56.6 %     56.9 %

Total non-interest expense increased by 18.1% from Rs. 82.4 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 97.3 billion in fiscal 2012. As a percentage of our net revenues, non-interest expense was 56.9% in fiscal 2012 as compared to 56.6% in fiscal 2011.

As of March 31, 2012, we had 2,544 branches and 8,913 ATMs across 1,399 locations, which increased from 1,986 branches and 5,471 ATMs across 996 locations as of March 31, 2011. This led to an overall increase in our non-interest expense.

 

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Salaries and staff benefits increased by 20.9% from Rs. 37.9 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 45.8 billion in fiscal 2012. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in staff salaries and allowances and in the number of employees from 55,752 as of March 31, 2011 to 66,076 as of March 31, 2012.

Premises and equipment costs increased on account of an increase in rent, electricity, housekeeping, security and other infrastructure costs relating to the expanded branch network.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased due to the increase in our distribution network and higher spending on technology and infrastructure to support our growth. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, we had revised the estimated useful life of point-of-sale machines and certain information technology servers. Depreciation on these assets is being charged prospectively over the revised useful life of the asset. Consequently, the net income before non-controlling interest for fiscal 2011 was lower by Rs. 390.5 million.

Administrative and other expenses increased primarily on account of higher printing and stationery, postage and communication and insurance costs.

We continued to amortize the intangible assets that were acquired on the merger of CBoP—i.e. our branch network representing contractual and non-contractual customer relationships, customer list, core deposit intangible, and favorable leases—over their estimated remaining useful life. This amortization resulted in a charge of Rs. 2.3 billion in fiscal 2012 as compared to Rs. 2.6 billion in fiscal 2011.

Income Tax

Our income tax expense, net of interest earned on income tax refunds amounting to Rs. 1 billion, increased by 9.8%, from Rs. 21.7 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 23.8 billion in fiscal 2012. Our effective tax rate was 34.3% in fiscal 2011 and 32.3% in fiscal 2012. The effective tax rate was lower in fiscal 2012 primarily on account of higher tax free income from our investments.

The following table gives a reconciliation of the Indian statutory income tax rate to our annual effective income tax rate for fiscals 2011 and 2012:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012  

Effective statutory income tax rate

     33.22 %     32.45 %

Adjustments to reconcile statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate:

    

Stock-based compensation (net of forfeitures)

     1.79       1.72  

Income exempt from taxes

     (1.03 )     (1.33 )

Interest on income tax refunds

     —         (0.88 )

Other, net

     0.17       0.13  

Effect of change in statutory tax rate

     0.17       0.18  

Annual effective income tax rate

     34.32 %     32.27 %

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing factors, our net income after taxes increased by 20.8% from Rs. 41.2 billion in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 49.8 billion in fiscal 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our growth over the last three years has been financed by a combination of cash generated from operations, increases in our customer deposits, borrowings and new issuances of equity capital and other securities qualifying as Tier 2 capital.

 

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The following table sets forth our cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities in a condensed format. We have aggregated certain line items set forth in the cash flow statement that is part of our financial statements included elsewhere in this report in order to facilitate an understanding of significant trends in our business.

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (in millions)  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net income before non-controlling interest

   Rs. 41,527.3     Rs. 50,008.0     Rs. 62,134.7  

Non-cash adjustments to net income

     25,509.8       22,137.7       21,323.4  

Net change in other assets and liabilities

     (16,920.5 )     (34,653.4 )     (11,944.6 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

   Rs. 50,116.6     Rs. 37,492.3     Rs. 71,513.5  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Net change in term placements

     (43,925.1 )     (48,174.4 )     (49,169.2 )

Net change in investments

     (157,060.9 )     (181,331.0 )     (200,007.5 )

Net change in repurchase options and reverse repurchase options

     80,000.0       (10,868.3 )     88,868.3   

Loans purchased net of repayments

     (36,828.9 )     (15,960.7 )     (11,047.2 )

Increase in loans originated, net of principal collections

     (303,115.8 )     (379,906.4 )     (503,662.9 )

Net additions to property and equipment

     (5,745.3 )     (7,878.5 )     (9,951.0 )

Net cash used in investing activities

   Rs. (466,676.0 )   Rs. (644,119.3 )   Rs. (684,969.5 )

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Net increase in deposits

     409,794.4       385,202.5       493,240.6  

Net increase/(decrease) in short-term borrowings

     (21,185.6 )     38,641.2       33,123.4  

Proceeds from issuance of shares by subsidiaries to non-controlling interest

     113.7       12.3       34.6  

Net increase in long-term debt

     17,375.3       82,141.2       116,830.3  

Proceeds from issuance of equity shares for options exercised

     8,281.6       5,302.8       10,949.5  

Proceeds from application for issuance of equity shares for options exercised pending allotment

     —         —         221.5  

Payment of dividends and dividend tax

     (6,440.9 )     (8,947.6 )     (11,787.0 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

   Rs. 407,938.5     Rs. 502,352.4     Rs. 642,612.9  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (35.5 )     3,415.5       1,540.3  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (8,656.4 )     (100,859.1 )     30,697.2   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     297,558.5       288,902.1       188,043.0  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   Rs. 288,902.1     Rs. 188,043.0     Rs. 218,740.2  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities reflects our net income, adjustments for tax and non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization, as well as changes in other assets and liabilities. Our net cash provided by operating activities increased from Rs. 37.5 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 71.5 billion in fiscal 2013, mainly due to higher cash flows in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 as a result of increase in our net income and a lower increase in our investments held for trading.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

We used our cash from operations and financing activities primarily to invest in our loan book and debt securities. The increase in loans originated and purchased, net of principal collections and repayments, was Rs. 514.7 billion in fiscal 2013 and Rs. 395.9 billion in fiscal 2012 primarily on account of an increase in our retail loan portfolio. The increase in investments in fiscal 2013 was Rs. 200.0 billion primarily on account of an increase in available-for-sale government of India securities.

 

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Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Our primary sources of cash flows from financing activities are deposits and, to a lesser extent, borrowings. The increase in deposits is attributable to the overall expansion of our business. Our total deposits increased by 20.1% from Rs. 2,465.0 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 2,960.5 billion in fiscal 2013. Savings account deposits at Rs. 882.1 billion and current account deposits at Rs. 522.3 billion together accounted for approximately 47.4% of total deposits as of March 31, 2013. There was a 22.3% increase in our time deposits from Rs. 1,272.1 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 1,556.1 billion in fiscal 2013. Our short-term borrowings increased by Rs. 33.0 billion from Rs. 112.6 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 145.6 billion in fiscal 2013. There was an increase in long-term debt from Rs. 178.4 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 295.2 billion in fiscal 2013 primarily due to the lower tier II debt capital we raised during the year.

Financial Condition

Assets

The following table sets forth the principal components of our assets as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      Increase/
(decrease)
    % Increase/
(decrease)
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   Rs. 188,043.0      Rs. 218,740.2      Rs. 30,697.2        16.3 %

Term placements

     150,096.5        199,265.7        49,169.2       32.8  

Investments held for trading

     77,043.4        87,383.5        10,340.1       13.4  

Investments available for sale

     807,080.4        1,018,071.5        210,991.1       26.1  

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     20,868.3        67,000.0        46,131.7       221.1  

Loans, net

     2,006,374.3        2,504,551.6        498,177.3       24.8  

Accrued interest receivable

     26,645.5        34,370.9        7,725.4       29.0  

Property and equipment

     24,960.9        28,978.4        4,017.5       16.1  

Intangibles

     4,074.0        1,769.5        (2,304.5     (56.6 )

Goodwill

     74,937.9        74,937.9        —         —    

Other assets

     191,031.5        135,836.9        (55,194.6     (28.9

Total assets

   Rs. 3,571,155.7      Rs. 4,370,906.1      Rs. 799,750.4       22.4 %

Our total assets increased by 22.4% to Rs. 4,370.9 billion in fiscal 2013 from Rs. 3,571.2 billion in fiscal 2012.

Cash and cash equivalents include currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. We are also required to maintain cash balances with the Reserve Bank of India to meet our cash reserve ratio requirement. We are required to maintain a specific percentage of our demand and time liabilities by way of a balance in a current account with the RBI. This is to maintain the solvency of the banking system.

Term placements consist of placements with banks and financial institutions in the ordinary course of business. These have original maturities for periods ranging between three months and fifteen years. Term placements have increased on account of our placements with central government bodies and deposits with other banks. Placements with central government bodies are made to comply with the extant Reserve Bank of India guidelines on shortfalls in priority sector lending sub-limits and account for approximately 72% of term placements as of March 31, 2013. Deposits with other banks were placed for yield opportunities.

Securities held under the trading portfolio are for trading purposes and are generally sold within 90 days from purchase. Investments held for trading increased by 13.4% from Rs. 77.0 billion as of March 31, 2012 to Rs. 87.4 billion as of March 31, 2013, primarily on account of investments in government of India securities and corporate / financial institution securities, partially offset by a decrease in our portfolio of deposit certificates issued by banks.

 

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Investments available for sale increased by 26.1% primarily on account of an increase in investments in government of India securities for SLR requirements.

Net loans increased mainly due to an increase in our retail lending. Our outstanding gross retail loan portfolio increased by 28.6% from Rs. 1,345.0 billion as of March 31, 2012 to Rs. 1,729.5 billion as of March 31, 2013. Secured loans were the key drivers of the increase in the retail loan book. We originate home loans under an arrangement with HDFC Limited. During the year we purchased from HDFC Limited aggregating Rs. 51.6 billion of home loans. Our gross wholesale loan book increased by 17.3% from Rs. 689.3 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 808.7 billion in fiscal 2013.

Accrued interest receivable increased by 29.0% from Rs. 26.6 billion to Rs. 34.4 billion primarily on account of increase in our loans and investment securities.

Our property and equipment increased by 16.1% from Rs. 25.0 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 29.0 billion in fiscal 2013, primarily on account of growth in our distribution network. As of March 31, 2012 we had a network of 2,544 branches in 1,399 cities which grew to 3,062 branches and in 1,845 locations as of March 31, 2013.

We acquired a branch network representing contractual and non-contractual customer relationships, customer lists, core deposits and favorable leases as identified intangible assets on account of our acquisition of CBoP. These intangibles amounted to Rs. 16.0 billion as of the date of acquisition. We have amortized these intangibles over their estimated remaining useful life, resulting in a charge of Rs. 2.3 billion for fiscals 2012 and 2013. Consequently, these intangibles were carried at an amortized value of Rs. 1.8 billion as of March 31, 2013.

We paid a purchase consideration of Rs. 102.8 billion to acquire the net assets of CBoP at a fair value of Rs. 27.8 billion, thereby recognizing unidentified intangibles (goodwill) of Rs. 74.9 billion during fiscal 2009. The primary purpose of the acquisition was to realize potential synergies, growth opportunities and cost savings from combining our businesses. These anticipated synergies contributed to a purchase price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill. The said goodwill has not been impaired as of March 31, 2013 and has been carried forward at the same value as that at the acquisition date.

Other assets decreased by 28.9% from Rs. 191.0 billion as of March 31, 2012 to Rs. 135.8 billion as of March 31, 2013 primarily on account of a decrease in derivatives from Rs. 133.2 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 72.5 billion in fiscal 2013. This was largely attributable to reduction in mark to market gains from forward exchange contracts.

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

The following table sets forth the principal components of our liabilities and shareholders’ equity as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      Increase/
(decrease)
    % Increase/
(decrease)
 
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Liabilities

          

Interest bearing deposits

   Rs. 2,012,057.9      Rs. 2,438,262.0      Rs. 426,204.1       21.2 %

Non-interest bearing deposits

     452,991.7        522,271.9        69,280.2        15.3   

Total deposits

     2,465,049.6        2,960,533.9        495,484.3       20.1 %

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

     70,000.0        205,000.0        135,000.0       192.9  

Short-term borrowings

     112,642.8        145,617.2        32,974.4       29.3  

Accrued interest payable

     51,935.9        58,135.2        6,199.3       11.9  

Long-term debt

     178,366.6        295,219.7        116,853.1       65.5  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     296,568.1        236,022.2        (60,545.9     (20.4

Total liabilities

     3,174,563.0        3,900,528.2        725,965.2       22.9 %

Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries

     1,537.5        1,903.6        366.1       23.8  

HDFC Bank Limited shareholders’ equity

     395,055.2        468,474.3        73,419.1       18.6  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   Rs. 3,571,155.7      Rs. 4,370,906.1      Rs. 799,750.4       22.4 %

 

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Our total liabilities increased by 22.9% from Rs. 3,174.6 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 3,900.5 billion in fiscal 2013. The increase in our interest-bearing deposits was on account of an increase in savings deposits and in time deposits. Savings account deposits increased by 19.2% from Rs. 740.0 billion as of March 31, 2012 to Rs. 882.1 billion as of March 31, 2013. Time deposits increased by 22.3% from Rs. 1,272.1 billion as of March 31, 2012 to Rs. 1,556.1 billion as of March 31, 2013. Our non-interest bearing deposits increased by 15.3% from Rs. 453.0 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 522.3 billion in fiscal 2013. Of our total deposits as of March 31, 2013, retail deposits accounted for approximately 75% and wholesale deposits accounted for the balance.

Most of our funding requirements are met through short-term and medium-term funding sources. Of our total non-equity sources of funding as of March 31, 2013, deposits accounted for 75.9%, short-term borrowings accounted for 3.7% and long-term debt accounted for 7.6%. Our short-term borrowings, which were primarily comprised of money market borrowings, increased by Rs. 33.0 billion in fiscal 2013. Securities sold under repurchase agreements were Rs. 205.0 billion as of March 31, 2013 on account of our borrowing under the liquidity adjustment facility that is offered by the Reserve Bank of India. The borrowing was against our investments in government securities that we held in excess of the statutory liquidity requirements.

Long-term debt increased by 65.5% in fiscal 2013, primarily due to the lower tier II debt capital we raised during the year.

Accrued interest payable increased by 11.9% from Rs. 51.9 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 58.1 billion in fiscal 2013 on account of increase in volumes of interest bearing liabilities and an increase in our cost of funds.

Accrued expenses and other liabilities decreased by 20.4% from Rs. 296.6 billion to Rs. 236.0 billion, primarily because of decrease in derivatives from Rs. 127.9 billion in fiscal 2012 to Rs. 69.1 billion in fiscal 2013. This was largely attributable to reduction in mark-to-market losses from forward exchange contracts.

Shareholders’ equity increased primarily due to an increase in each of the retained earnings, additional paid-in capital (on account of the exercise of stock options by employees) and accumulated other comprehensive income (as a result of mark-to-market gains on available for sale securities primarily attributable to decrease in interest rates during the year).

Capital

We are a banking company within the meaning of the Indian Banking Regulation Act, 1949, registered with and subject to supervision by the RBI. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could lead to regulatory actions by the RBI that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on our financial position. As per RBI’s prudential norms on capital adequacy under the Basel I framework (Basel I), we are required to maintain a capital to risk-weighted asset ratio of a minimum of 9%, for both credit risk and market risk. The RBI has also issued its prudential guidelines on “Capital Adequacy and Market Discipline—Implementation of the New Capital Adequacy Framework” (Basel II). We migrated to the new framework effective March 31, 2009. Under the Basel II guidelines, we are required to maintain a minimum capital to risk-weighted asset ratio of 9% on an ongoing basis for credit risk, market risk and operational risk, with a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%. Further, the minimum capital maintained by us as of March 31, 2013 is subject to a prudential floor, which is the higher of the following amounts:

 

  a) the minimum capital required as per the Basel II framework; or

 

  b) 80% of the minimum capital required to be maintained as per the Basel I framework.

RBI has recently issued detailed guidelines for implementation of Basel III capital regulations with effect from April 1, 2013 in a phased manner. In May 2013, the RBI withdrew the requirement of parallel run and the prudential floor for implementation of Basel II vis-à-vis Basel I.

 

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Our regulatory capital and capital adequacy ratios measured in accordance with Indian GAAP and calculated under both the Basel I and Basel II frameworks are as follows:

 

     Basel I      Basel II  
     2012     2013     2013      2012     2013     2013  
     (in millions, except percentages)  

Tier 1 capital

   Rs. 281,135.6     Rs. 339,282.0     US$ 6,223.1      Rs. 280,674.9     Rs. 338,811.3     US$ 6,214.4  

Tier 2 capital

     118,989.7       175,192.3       3,213.4        118,989.7       175,192.3       3,213.4  

Total capital

   Rs. 400,125.3     Rs. 514,474.3     US$ 9,436.5      Rs. 399,664.6     Rs. 514,003.6     US$ 9,427.8  

Total risk weighted assets and contingents

   Rs. 2,547,642.9     Rs. 3,227,251.5     US$ 59,193.9      Rs. 2,418,963.2     Rs. 3,058,788.9     US$ 56,104.0  

Capital ratios of the Bank:

             

Tier 1

     11.04 %     10.51 %        11.60 %     11.08 %  

Total capital

     15.71 %     15.94 %        16.52 %     16.80 %  

Minimum capital ratios required by the RBI:

             

Tier 1

     4.50 %     4.50 %        6.00 %     6.00 %  

Total capital

     9.00 %     9.00 %        9.00 %     9.00 %  

Convenience Translation

The Indian rupee has fallen significantly against the U.S. dollar, from 54.52 rupees per U.S. dollar at March 29, 2013 to 59.37 rupees per U.S. dollar at July 19, 2013, a depreciation of 8.9%. The recent sharp decline was caused mainly by the increasing strength of the U.S. dollar, however India was particularly affected because of continued concerns about its domestic growth prospects, elevated current account deficit and global risk aversion. See “Exchange Rates and Certain Defined Terms” and “Risk Factors—Any volatility in the exchange rate may lead to a decline in India’s foreign exchange reserves and may affect liquidity and interest rates in the Indian economy, which could adversely impact us.”

The decline of the relative value of the Indian rupee to the U.S. dollar decreases (a) the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Indian rupee price of the equity shares on the Indian stock exchanges and, as a result, decreases the market price of our ADSs in the United States, (b) the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds that you would receive upon the sale in India of any equity shares that you withdraw from the depositary and (c) the U.S. dollar equivalent of cash dividends, if any, paid in Indian rupees on the equity shares represented by our ADSs. See “Risk Factors—Because the equity shares underlying our ADSs are quoted in rupees in India, you may be subject to potential losses arising out of exchange rate risk on the Indian rupee and risks associated with the conversion of rupee proceeds into foreign currency” and “Description of American Depositary Shares.”

 

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In addition, the depreciation of the rupee against the U.S. dollar may impact the operations of our customers and affect their ability to fulfill their obligations under the loans granted to them by us. If our non-performing loans increase, we will be required to increase our provisions, which would result in our net income being less than it otherwise would be and would adversely affect our financial condition. See “Risk Factors—If the level of non-performing loans in our portfolio increases, we will be required to increase our provisions, which would negatively impact our income.”

If the rupee amounts had been translated using the recent exchange rate as on July 19, 2013, which is 59.37 rupees per U. S. dollar, our total assets would have been US$ 73.6 billion as compared to the reported amount of US$ 80.2 billion, our total liabilities would have been US$ 65.7 billion as compared to the reported amount of US$ 71.5 billion and our net income would have been US$ 1.0 billion compared to the reported amount of US$ 1.1 billion.

Although we have translated selected Indian rupee amounts in this document into U.S. dollars for convenience based on the noon buying rate in the city of New York for cable transfers in Indian rupees to U.S. dollars at 54.52 rupees per U. S. dollar at March 29, 2013, set forth below, are the US$ equivalent amounts for certain key financial items, based on a convenience translation using the exchange rate as on July 19, 2013 which is 59.37 rupees per U. S. dollar.

Key items of consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2013

 

     Exchange rate as of  

Particulars

   March 29, 2013
US$1  = Rs. 54.52
     July 19, 2013
US$1 = Rs. 59.37
 
     (in millions)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   US$ 4,012.1       US$ 3,684.3   

Loans, net

     45,938.2         42,185.5   

Total deposits

     54,301.8         49,865.8   

Short term borrowings

     2,670.9         2,452.7   

Long term debt

     5,414.9         4,972.5   

Total liabilities

     71,543.1         65,698.6   

Total shareholder’s equity

     8,627.7         7,922.8   

Key items of consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013

 

     Exchange rate as of  

Particulars

   March 29, 2013
US$1 = Rs. 54.52
     July 19, 2013
US$1 = Rs. 59.37
 
     (in millions)  

Net interest revenue

   US$ 2,881.2       US$ 2,645.8   

Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses

     2,648.5         2,432.1   

Total revenue, net

     3,843.8         3,530.0   

Income before income tax expense

     1,687.0         1,549.4   

Net income attributable to HDFC Bank Limited

     1,133.9         1,041.5   

Key items of consolidated statement of cash flow for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013

 

     Exchange rate as of  

Particulars

   March 29, 2013
US$1 = Rs. 54.52
    July 19, 2013
US$1 = Rs. 59.37
 
     (in millions)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   US$ 1,311.5      US$ 1,204.5   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (12,563.5     (11,537.3

Net cash provided by financing activities

     11,786.7        10,823.9   

 

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Capital Expenditure

Our capital expenditures consist principally of expenditures relating to our branch network expansion, as well as investments in our technology and communications infrastructure. We have current plans for aggregate capital expenditures of approximately Rs. 5.8 billion in fiscal 2014. This budgeted amount includes Rs. 0.8 billion to expand our branch and back office network, Rs. 0.5 billion to expand our electronic data capture terminal network and Rs. 4.3 billion to upgrade and expand our hardware, data center, network and other systems. We may use these budgeted amounts for other purposes depending on, among other factors the business environment prevailing at the time, and consequently our actual capital expenditures may be higher or lower than our budgeted amounts.

Financial Instruments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our foreign exchange and derivative product offerings to our customers cover a range of products, including foreign exchange and interest rate transactions and hedging solutions, such as spot and forward foreign exchange contracts, forward rate agreements, currency swaps, currency options, and interest rate derivatives. These transactions enable our customers to transfer, modify or reduce their foreign exchange and interest rate risks. A specified group of relationship managers from our Treasury front office works on such product offerings jointly with the relationship managers from Wholesale Banking.

We enter into forward exchange contracts, currency options, forward rate agreements, currency swaps and rupee interest rate swaps with inter-bank participants, similar to our Wholesale Banking business, where we enter into such transactions with our customers. To support our clients’ activities, we are an active participant in the Indian inter-bank foreign exchange market. We also trade, to a more limited extent, for our own account. We also engage in proprietary trades of rupee-based interest rate swaps and use them as part of our asset liability management.

Forward exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency at a future date at the contracted rate. A currency option is a contract where the purchaser of the option has the right but not the obligation to either purchase or sell and the seller of the option agrees to sell or purchase an agreed amount of a specified currency at a price agreed in advance and denominated in another currency on a specified date or by an agreed date in the future. A forward rate agreement is a financial contract between two parties to exchange interest payments for a ‘notional principal’ amount on a settlement date, for a specified period from a start date to a maturity date. Currency swaps are commitments to exchange cash flows by way of interest in one currency against another currency and exchanges of principal amounts at maturity based on predetermined rates. Rupee interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange fixed and floating rate cash flows in rupees.

We earn profit on customer transactions by way of a margin as a mark-up over the inter-bank exchange or interest rate. We earn profit on inter-bank transactions by way of a spread between the purchase rate and the sale rate. These profits are recorded as income from foreign exchange and derivative transactions. The RBI imposes limits on our ability to hold overnight positions in foreign exchange and derivatives. The following table presents the aggregate notional principal amounts of the Bank’s outstanding forward exchange and derivative contracts as of March 31, 2013, together with the fair values on each reporting date:

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
     Notional      Gross Assets      Gross Liabilities
     Net Fair Value
    Notional      Net Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Interest rate derivatives

   Rs. 2,080,500.3       Rs. 5,944.5       Rs. 7,837.2       Rs. (1,892.7 )   US$ 38,160.3       US$ (34.7 )

Currency options

     152,384.2         1,014.1         1,300.0         (285.9 )     2,795.0         (5.3 )

Currency swaps

     59,328.6         2,962.0         1,502.5         1,459.5        1,088.2         26.8   

Forward exchange contracts

     4,467,860.7         62,602.4         58,460.0         4,142.4        81,949.0         76.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 6,760,073.8       Rs. 72,523.0       Rs. 69,099.7       Rs. 3,423.3      US$ 123,992.5       US$ 62.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

We have not designated the above derivative contracts as accounting hedges and accordingly the contracts are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

 

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Guarantees and Documentary Credits

As a part of our commercial banking activities, we issue documentary credits and guarantees. Documentary credits, such as letters of credit, enhance the credit standing of our customers. Guarantees generally represent irrevocable assurances that we will make payments in the event that the customer fails to fulfill its financial or performance obligations. Financial guarantees are obligations to pay a third party beneficiary where a customer fails to make payment towards a specified financial obligation. Performance guarantees are obligations to pay a third party beneficiary where a customer fails to perform a non-financial contractual obligation. The nominal values of guarantees and documentary credits for the dates set forth below were as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Nominal values:

        

Bank guarantees:

        

Financial guarantees

   Rs. 76,921.6       Rs. 99,886.2       US$ 1,832.1   

Performance guarantees

     59,909.3         69,686.1         1,278.2   

Documentary credits

     209,182.1         220,595.4         4,046.1   

Total

   Rs. 346,013.0       Rs. 390,167.7       US$ 7,156.4   

Guarantees and documentary credits outstanding increased by 12.8% to Rs. 390.2 billion as of March 31, 2013, principally due to general growth in our wholesale banking business and to meet our clients’ trade requirements.

Loan Sanction Letters

In some cases we issue sanction letters to customers indicating our intent to provide new loans. The amount of loans referred to in these letters that have not yet been made was Rs. 789.9 billion as of March 31, 2013. On request, we disburse these loans subject to the customer’s creditworthiness at that time and at interest rates in effect on the date the loans are made. We are not obligated to make these loans, and the sanctions are subject to periodic review. See also Note 24 to our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The table below summarizes our principal contractual obligations as of March 31, 2013 by expected settlement period.

Contractual Obligations

 

     Payments due by period, as of March 31, 2013  
     Total      Less than 1 year      1-3 years      3-5 years      After 5 years  
     (in millions)  

Subordinated debt

   Rs. 171,867.5       Rs. —        Rs. 16,160.0       Rs. 4,150.0       Rs. 151,557.5   

Other long term debt

     123,352.2         8,943.1         62,321.2         52,087.9         —    

Operating leases(a)

     37,101.4         6,115.9         11,264.3         9,504.6         10,216.6   

Short-term borrowings

     145,617.2         145,617.2         —          —          —    

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

     205,000.0         205,000.0         —          —          —    

Unconditional purchase obligations(b)

     2,918.7         2,918.7         —          —          —    

Total

   Rs. 685,857.0       Rs. 368,594.9       Rs. 89,745.5       Rs. 65,742.5       Rs. 161,774.1   

 

(a) Operating leases are principally for the lease of office, branch and ATM premises, residential premises for executives and office equipments.
(b) Unconditional purchase obligations principally constitute the capital expenditure commitments made as of March 31, 2013. See “—Note 27—Commitments and contingencies”.

Commercial Commitments

Our commercial commitments consist principally of letters of credit, guarantees, forward exchange contracts and derivative contracts.

We have recognized a liability of Rs. 1.1 billion as of March 31, 2013 as required by FASB ASC 460-10. Based on historical trends and as required by FASB ASC 450, we have recognized a liability of Rs. 0.7 billion as of March 31, 2013.

 

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As part of our risk management activities, we continuously monitor the creditworthiness of customers as well as guarantee exposures. However, if a customer fails to perform a specified obligation to a beneficiary, the beneficiary may draw upon the guarantee by presenting documents that are in compliance with the guarantee. In that event, we make payment to the beneficiary on account of the indebtedness of the customer or make payment on account of the default by the customer in the performance of an obligation, up to the full notional amount of the guarantee. The customer is obligated to reimburse us for any such payment. If the customer fails to pay, we would, as applicable, liquidate collateral and/or set off accounts.

The residual maturities of the above commitments as of March 31, 2013 are set forth in the following table:

 

     Amount of commitment expiration per period, as of March 31, 2013  
     Total amounts
committed
     Less than 1 year      1-3 years      3-5 years      Over 5 years  
     (in millions)  

Documentary credits

   Rs. 220,595.4       Rs. 218,047.8       Rs. 2,465.9       Rs. 81.7       Rs. —    

Guarantees

     169,572.3         127,793.2         31,385.6         4,563.3         5,830.2   

Derivatives*

     6,760,073.8         5,826,980.8         494,630.0         382,666.0         55,797.0   

Total

   Rs. 7,150,241.5       Rs. 6,172,821.8       Rs. 528,481.5       Rs. 387,311.0       Rs. 61,627.2   

 

* Denotes notional principal amounts.

Extent of dependence on single customer exposures

Our exposure to a borrower is subject to the regulatory limits established by the RBI from time to time, or specific approval by RBI. The exposure-ceiling limit for a single borrower is 15% of our capital funds. This limit may be exceeded by an additional 5% (i.e. up to 20%) provided the additional credit exposure is on account of infrastructure or by an additional 10% (i.e. up to 25%) provided the credit exposure is to oil companies to whom bonds have been issued by the Government of India. In addition to the above exposure limit, we may, in exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Board, consider increasing our exposure to a borrower up to an additional 5% of the capital funds. Our exposure to a single NBFC or NBFC-asset financing companies (AFC) should not exceed 10.0% or 15.0%, respectively, of our capital funds. We may, however, assume exposures on a single NBFC or NBFC-AFC up to 15.0% or 20.0%, respectively, if it is on account of funds on-lent by the NBFC or NBFC-AFC to the infrastructure sector. Our exposure to infrastructure finance companies (IFC) should not exceed 15.0% of our capital funds. However, this may be exceeded by an additional 5% (i.e. up to 20%) if the same is on account of funds on-lent by the IFC to the infrastructure sector.

Our exposures to our ten largest borrowers as of March 31, 2013, computed as per RBI guidelines, based on the higher of the outstanding balance or the limit on loans, investments (including credit substitutes) and non-funded exposures as per Indian GAAP were as follows. None of these exposures were impaired as of March 31, 2013:

 

     March 31, 2013  
      Borrower Industry    Funded
Exposure
     Non-Funded
Exposure
     Total Exposure      Total
Exposure
 
     (in millions)  

Borrower 1

   Banks and Financial Institutions    Rs. 107,121.8       Rs. —        Rs. 107,121.8       US$ 1,964.8   

Borrower 2

   Coal & Petroleum Products      44,500.0        33,534.3        78,034.3        1,431.3  

Borrower 3

   Coal & Petroleum Products      15,568.6        37,870.9        53,439.5        980.2  

Borrower 4

   NBFC / Financial
Intermediaries
     42,500.0        —          42,500.0        779.5  

Borrower 5

   Non-ferrous Metals      6,413.2        32,259.6        38,672.8        709.3  

Borrower 6

   Non-ferrous Metals      6,891.6        23,983.0        30,874.6        566.3  

Borrower 7

   NBFC / Financial
Intermediaries
     30,000.0        —          30,000.0        550.3  

Borrower 8

   Iron and Steel      3,317.2        22,530.4        25,847.6        474.1  

Borrower 9

   Coal & Petroleum Products      17,262.0        8,513.2        25,775.2        472.8  

Borrower 10

   Banks and Financial Institutions      22,895.9         —           22,895.9         420.0   

As of March 31, 2013, our exposure to ten borrowers was, for each such borrower, more than 5% of our capital funds, which was mainly comprised of large credit facilities to these borrowers. Of the total exposure to these ten borrowers, approximately 40% was secured by collateral.

Our top single customer exposure is to a financial institution that was established by an act passed by the Indian Parliament for agricultural and rural development. Our exposure to the said organization is in the nature of placements made to comply with the extant Reserve Bank of India guidelines on shortfall in directed lending sub-limits. The regulatory ceiling prescribed by RBI is not applicable to exposures to this organization.

There were no exposures that exceeded the regulatory ceiling established by RBI.

 

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Cross border exposures

The RBI requires banks in India to implement RBI prescribed guidelines on country risk management in respect of those countries, where a bank has net funded exposure in excess of a prescribed percentage of its total assets. In the normal course of business we have exposure, directly/indirectly on, to risk related to, counter parties/entities in foreign countries. On an ongoing basis, we monitor such cross border exposures. Our aggregate country risk exposure was less than 4% of our total assets. Currently there is no country where we have an exposure exceeding 1% of our total assets, in accordance with the RBI guidelines. Our exposure, primarily in the nature of commercial credits, to countries in Europe impacted by the sovereign debt crisis is not significant (aggregates about 0.03% of our total assets).

Cyber Security

We offer internet banking services to our customers. Our internet banking channel includes multiple services such as electronic funds transfer, bill payment services, usage of credit cards on-line, requesting account statements and requesting check books. We are therefore exposed to cyber threats, such as phishing and trojans, targeting our customers, wherein fraudsters send unsolicited mails to our customers seeking account sensitive information, hacking, wherein hackers seek to hack into our website with the primary intention of causing reputational damage to us, and data theft, wherein cyber criminals may intrude into our network with the intention of stealing our data/information or extorting money.

We have implemented various measures to mitigate risks that emanate from offering online banking to our customers. These are briefly enumerated below:

 

   

Phishing: We identify phishing sites and trojans targeting our customers and then shut down such sites. Forensic information such as customers details which may have been compromised are retrieved from such sites and acted upon. We have implemented Secure Access which provides an additional layer of security beyond customer id and password for internet banking transactions. This system evaluates every transaction based on our risk model and helps us determine whether the incumbent transaction is a genuine one or suspicious. Should the transaction be deemed suspicious, the system has the option of either declining the transaction or asking for additional authentication. As a practice, we send awareness mails to our customers educating them about phishing and the measures that they need to take to protect themselves in falling prey to it.

 

   

Hacking and Data Theft: We have implemented firewalls and Intrusion Prevention System at the perimeter of our network to block any attempts made to hack or intrude into our network. Our 24 by 7 Security Operations Center (SOC) analyzes logs of its perimeter defenses to identify any attempts made to intrude into our network. We have an incident management process to ensure that in the event of any incident, relevant stakeholders are made aware of what their role is in resolving the incident. We also test our internet facing infrastructure and applications for vulnerability. Any vulnerability thus identified is remediated in a time bound manner. We have defined baseline security standards for the technologies in use. These standards were created taking into consideration industry best practices and are reviewed on a regular basis to avoid obsolescence.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Senior Management

Our Memorandum and Articles of Association (the ‘Articles’) provide that until otherwise determined by a general meeting of shareholders, the number of our directors shall not be less than 3 nor more than 15, excluding directors appointed pursuant to the terms of issued debt. Our board of directors consisted of 11 members as of March 31, 2013.

As per the Indian Companies Act, 1956 (the ‘Companies Act’), at least two-thirds of our directors are required to retire by rotation, with one-third of these retiring at each annual general meeting. However, any retiring director may be re-appointed by resolution of the shareholders.

Under the terms of our organizational documents, HDFC Limited has a right to nominate two directors who are not required to retire by rotation, so long as HDFC Limited, its subsidiaries or any other company promoted by HDFC Limited, either singly or in the aggregate, holds not less than 20% of our paid-up equity share capital. The two directors so nominated by HDFC Limited currently are the Chairman and the Managing Director.

The Banking Regulation Act requires that not less than 51% of the board members shall have special knowledge or practical experience in one or more of the following areas: accounting, finance, agriculture and rural economy, banking, co-operation, economics, law, small scale industry and any other matter the RBI may specify. Out of these, not less than two directors shall have specialized knowledge or practical experience in agriculture and the rural economy, co-operation or small-scale industry. Mr. Vijay Merchant who was appointed as an additional director by the Board at its meeting held on March 14, 2013 has specialized knowledge and experience in small-scale industry. Dr. Pandit Palande has specialized knowledge and experience in the agricultural sector.

Interested directors may not vote at board proceedings, except where the interest is based solely on a contract of indemnity for which the director is a surety, the interest is based on the director’s involvement as director of another company and holder of shares of that company, or where a proper notification has been given under the Companies Act.

None of our directors or members of our senior management holds 1.0% or more of our shares.

Our Board of Directors, as of March 31, 2013, comprised of:

 

Name

  

Position

   Age  

Mr. C.M. Vasudev

   Chairman      70  

Mr. Aditya Puri

   Managing Director      62  

Mr. Harish Engineer

   Executive Director      64  

Mr. Paresh Sukthankar

   Executive Director      50  

Mr. Anami N. Roy

   Non-Executive Director      63  

Mr. Vijay Merchant1

   Non-Executive Director      69  

Mr. Bobby Parikh

   Non-Executive Director      49  

Dr. Pandit Palande

   Non-Executive Director      52  

Mr. Partho Datta

   Non-Executive Director      64  

Mrs. Renu Karnad

   Non-Executive Director      60  

Mr. Keki Mistry

   Non-Executive Director      59  

 

1 Mr. Vijay Merchant was appointed as a Director with effect from March 14, 2013

 

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The following are brief biographies of our directors:

Mr. C. M. Vasudev holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Physics. He joined the Indian Administrative Services in 1966. Mr. Vasudev has worked as an Executive Director of World Bank representing India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Mr. Vasudev has extensive experience of working at policy making levels in the financial sector and was responsible for formulation of policies and oversight of management at World Bank. He chaired the World Bank’s Committee on development effectiveness with the responsibility of ensuring effectiveness of World Bank’s operations and has also worked as a consultant to the World Bank and UNDP on various development policy issues. Mr. Vasudev has also worked as Secretary, Ministry of Finance for more than eight years and has undertaken various assignments, including Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Expenditure, Department of Banking and Additional Secretary, Budget with responsibility for framing fiscal policies and policies for economic reforms and for coordinating preparation of budgets of the Government of India and monitoring their implementation. He was also the Principal Secretary, Finance of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. He has previously been appointed as a Government nominee Director on the Boards of Directors of many companies in the financial sector including State Bank of India, IDBI, ICICI, IDFC, NABARD, National Housing Bank and also on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India. He was also a member secretary of the Narasimham Committee on financial sector reforms and chaired a committee on reforms of the NBFC sector. He has worked as Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce with responsibility for state trading, trade policy including interface with the WTO.

Mr. Vasudev is Director on the boards of ICRA Management Consulting Services Limited, Star Paper Mills Limited, Power Exchange India Limited, National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, Bedrock Ventures Private Limited, Centennial Development Advisory Services India Private Limited, Skills Academy Private Limited, National Securities Clearing Corporation Limited, NSDL Database Management Limited and NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited. He is a member of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of Remuneration Committee of ICRA Management Consultancy Services Limited, Chairman of the Risk Management Committee and the Compensation and Nomination Committee and a member of the Audit Committee of Power Exchange India Limited, Chairman of Remuneration Committee and a member of Audit Committee of Star Paper Mills Limited and a member of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of Nomination Committee of NSDL.

Mr. Aditya Puri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Punjab University and is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Puri was the Chief Executive Officer of Citibank, Malaysia from 1992 to 1994. Mr. Puri has been the Managing Director of the Bank since September 1994. He has nearly 39 years of experience in the banking sector in India and abroad. Mr. Puri is not a Director on the Board of any other company in India.

Mr. Harish Engineer is an Executive Director in the whole-time employment of the Bank. He is a Science Graduate from Mumbai University and holds a Diploma in Business Management from Hazarimal Somani College, Mumbai. Mr. Engineer has been associated with the Bank since 1994 in various capacities and is responsible for Wholesale Banking at present. Mr. Engineer has over 44 years’ experience in the fields of finance and banking. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Engineer worked with Bank of America for 26 years in various areas including operations and corporate credit management. Mr. Engineer is not a Director of any other company in India.

Mr. Paresh Sukthankar is an Executive Director in the whole-time employment of the Bank. He has a Master’s degree in Management Studies (MMS) from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute (Mumbai) and has completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School. Mr. Sukthankar has been with the Bank since its inception in 1994. Mr. Sukthankar has direct or supervisory responsibilities for the Bank’s Credit and Risk Management, Finance and Human Resources functions and for various strategic initiatives of the Bank. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Sukthankar worked in Citibank for around approximately nine years in various departments, including corporate banking, risk management, financial control and credit administration. He has been a member of various committees formed by the Reserve Bank of India and Indian Banks’ Association. Mr. Sukthankar is not a Director of any other company in India.

Mr. A. N. Roy holds Master’s degrees in Arts and Philosophy, is a distinguished retired civil servant. During his long career of 38 years in the Indian Police Service (IPS), he held a range of assignments both in the state of Maharashtra and for the Government of India, including Commissioner of Police, Mumbai and Director General of Police, Maharashtra before retiring in the year 2010. His areas of specialization include policy planning, budget, recruitment, training and other finance and administrative functions in addition to operational matters. Mr. Roy was instrumental in introducing technology solutions in the Indian police force, for example, in relation to citizen facilitation. He also held the position of Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, in which capacity he initiated a policy document on vigilance matters for the Government of Maharashtra. Mr. Roy has wide knowledge and experience of security and intelligence matters at the state and national levels. Having handled multifarious field and staff assignments, Mr. Roy has extensive experience in functioning of the government at various levels and of problem solving. Mr. Roy is a Director on the boards of India Ventures Advisors, Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, Planet Retail Holdings Limited, East Coast Energy Private Limited, Mayar Infrastructure Development Private Limited and The Skills Academy Private Limited. He is a member of the Senior Executives Compensation Committee of Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited. He is the Chairman of Vandana Foundation, a non-profit company registered under section 25 of the Companies Act.

 

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Mr. Bobby Parikh has a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Mumbai University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1987. Mr. Parikh is a Senior Partner with BMR & Associates LLP and leads its financial services practice. Prior to joining BMR & Associates LLP, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Ernst & Young in India and held that responsibility until December 2003. Mr. Parikh worked with Arthur Andersen for over 17 years and was its Country Managing Partner, until the Andersen practice combined with that of Ernst & Young in June 2002. Over the years, Mr. Parikh has had extensive experience in advising clients across a range of industries. An area of focus for Mr. Parikh has been to work with businesses, both Indian and multinational, in interpreting the implications of the deregulation as well as the changes to India’s policy framework, to help businesses better leverage opportunities that have become available and to address challenges that resulted from such changes. Mr. Parikh has led teams that have advised clients in the areas of entry strategy (multinational companies into India and Indian companies into overseas markets), business model identification, structuring a business presence, mergers, acquisitions and other business reorganizations. Mr. Parikh works closely with regulators and policy formulators, in providing inputs to aid in the development of new regulations and policies, and in assessing the implications and efficacy of these and providing feedback for action. Mr. Parikh led the Financial Services industry practice at Arthur Andersen and then also at Ernst & Young, and has advised a number of banking groups, investment banks, brokerage houses, fund managers and other financial services intermediaries in establishing operations in India, mergers and acquisitions and in developing structured financial products, besides providing tax and business advisory and tax reporting services. Mr. Parikh has been a member of a number of trade and business associations and their management or other committees, as well as on the advisory or executive boards of non-Governmental and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Parikh is a Director of BMR Advisors Private Limited, Tax and Advisors Private Limited, BMR Managed Services Private Limited, BMR Advisors Pte Limited, Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited, Green Infra Limited, Indostar Capital Finance Limited and Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company Limited. He is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Investment Committee, Asset Liability Management Committee and Remuneration Committee of Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited. He is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee of Green Infra Limited. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of Risk Management Committee, Compensation and Nomination Committee of Indostar Capital Finance Limited. Mr. Parikh is one of the financial experts on the Audit & Compliance Committee of the Board.

Dr. Pandit Palande has a Ph.D. degree in Business Administration and completed an advanced course in Management at Oxford University and Warwick University in UK. Dr. Palande has been working as a Director of the School of Commerce and Management for 20 years in Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (“YCMOU”). Dr. Palande is a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of YCMOU. Dr. Palande has extensive experience working in the fields of business administration, management and agriculture. Under the guidance of Dr. Palande, YCMOU has become one of the green universities in India. As a Project Director of Indian Space Research Organization (“ISRO”) GAP-3 of YCMOU, Dr. Palande has been serving the academic and agriculture community on a large scale. Dr. Palande is not a member of the Board of Directors of any other company.

Mr. Partho S. Datta is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He joined Indian Aluminum Company Limited (INDAL) and was with INDAL and its parent company in Canada for 25 years and held positions as Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Director Finance during his tenure. Thereafter, he joined the Chennai based Murugappa Group as the head of Group Finance and was a member of the Management Board of the Group, as well as Director in several Murugappa Group companies. Post-retirement from the Murugappa Group, Mr. Datta was an advisor to the Central Government appointed Board of Directors of Satyam Computers Services Limited during the restoration process and has also been engaged in providing business/strategic and financial consultancy on a selective basis. Mr. Datta is a Director of Peerless Funds Management Company Limited, IRIS Business Services Limited and Endurance Technologies Private Limited. He is the Chairman of Audit Committee and member of the Risk Management Committee, Investment Committee and Remuneration Committee of Peerless Funds Management Company Limited. He is also the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Investor Grievance Committee of Endurance Technologies Private Limited. He is a member of the Audit Committee and Board Committee of IRIS Business Services Limited. Mr. Datta has extensive experience in various Financial and Accounting matters including financial management, investor relations, foreign exchange risk management, international financing, international tax, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning. Mr. Datta is one of the financial experts on the Audit & Compliance Committee of the Board.

 

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Mrs. Renu Karnad is a law graduate and also holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from Delhi University. She is a Parvin Fellow-Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs, Princeton University, U.S.A. Mrs. Karnad is the Managing Director of Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited and a Director on the Board of Directors of BOSCH Limited, Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited, GRUH Finance Limited, HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, HDFC Ergo General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Property Ventures Limited, AKZO Nobel India Limited, Credila Financial Services Private Limited, Indraprastha Medical Corporation Limited, EIH Limited, HDFC Education and Development Services Private Limited, Feedback Infrastructure Services Private Limited, G4S Corporate Services (India) Private Limited, Value and Budget Housing Corporation (India) Private Limited and Lafarge India Private Limited. She is also a Director of H T Parekh Foundation, HDFC PLC, Maldives and WNS Global Services Private Limited. Mrs. Karnad is the Chairperson of the Audit Committee of AKZO Nobel India Limited, Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited and Bosch Limited. She is a member of the Audit Committee of HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited and member of Investor Grievance Committee of BOSCH Limited. She is the Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee of AKZO Nobel India Limited as well as Chairperson of Compensation Committee of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited. She is also a member of Investment Committee, Compensation Committee, Compensation-ESOS Committee, Committee of Directors of GRUH Finance Limited; Customer Service Committee and Risk Management Committee of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited; Remuneration Committee of Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited; Investment Sub Committee and Property Sub Committee of BOSCH Limited; Allotment Committee of HDFC Education and Development Services Private Limited and the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination & Governance Committee of WNS Global Services Private Limited.

Mr. Keki Mistry has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the Mumbai University. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Mr. Mistry started his career with The Indian Hotels Company Limited, one of the largest chain of hotels in India. In 1981, Mr. Mistry joined Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC). He was inducted on to the Board of Directors of HDFC as an Executive Director in 1993 and is currently the Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC). Mr. Keki Mistry is also a Director on the Board of Directors of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, GRUH Finance Limited, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, The Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited, Greatship (India) Limited, Next Gen Publishing Limited, Shrenuj & Company Limited, Torrent Power Limited, HCL Technologies Limited and BSE Limited. Mr. Mistry is also member on the India Advisory Board at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and Director of Griha Investments, Mauritius, India Value Fund Advisors Private Limited and the H T Parekh Foundation. Mr. Mistry is the Chairman of the Audit Committee of Great Eastern Shipping Co. Limited, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited, Greatship (India) Limited, and Torrent Power Limited.. He is a member of the Audit Committee of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, GRUH Finance Limited, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited and Shrenuj & Company Limited. He is a member of the Compensation Committee of GRUH Finance Limited, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited and Greatship (India) Limited. He is the Chairman of the Nomination Committee of Greatship (India) Limited and a member of the Nomination Committee of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited and Torrent Power Limited.

Mr.Vijay Merchant was appointed as an additional director with effect from March 14, 2013. He is a commerce graduate and completed his post graduate studies in business management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM) where he was awarded a merit scholarship in 1966 and majored in Finance & Marketing. After initial training with the Mafatlal Group Central Finance Division, he headed a large consumer products agency house, serving fast-moving consumer goods companies in South India for 10 years. Subsequently, he owned and managed Dynam Plastics, a small-scale unit manufacturing industrial plastic products for local and export markets. Over the last 30 years, Mr. Merchant has worked with several national associations of the plastic and packaging industries in relation to the development of the small-scale industries sector. He has also been involved in environmental issues relating to the plastic and packaging industries in global forums for over a decade. He was one of the founders of the India Center for Plastics in Environment in 1999, and has initiated environmental projects and programs, which have been shared with countries other than India. Since 2007, he has been on the Board of Directors of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, and is also a member of its Risk Management, Customer Service and Share Allotment Committees.

 

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Senior Management

As of March 31, 2013, our senior management was comprised of the following:

 

Name

  

Position

   Age  

Mr. Aditya Puri

   Managing Director      62  

Mr. Harish Engineer

   Executive Director      64  

Mr. Paresh Sukthankar

   Executive Director      50  

Mr. Abhay Aima

   Head, Equities and Private Banking, Third Party Products and NRI Banking      51  

Mr. Anil Jaggia

   Head, Information Technology, Legal, Quality Initiatives, Administration and Infrastructure      52  

Mr. Anil Nath

   Head, Business Banking, Agri and Correspondent Banking      60  

Mr. Ashish Parthasarthy

   Head, Treasury      45  

Mr. Bhavesh Zaveri

   Head, Operations      47  

Mr. Chakrapani V

   Head, Audit      49  

Mr. Jimmy Tata

   Head, Corporate Banking      47  

Mr. Kaizad Bharucha

   Head, Credit and Market Risk      48  

Mr. Navin Puri

   Head, Branch Banking      55  

Mr. Rahul N. Bhagat

   Head, Retail Liabilities and Marketing      50  

Mr. Rajender Sehgal

   Head, Financial Institutions Group, Custody and Sustainable Livelihood Business      58  

Mr. Sashidhar Jagdishan

   Head, Finance      48  

A brief biography of each of the members of the Bank’s senior management is set out below:

Mr. Abhay Aima is a graduate of the National Defence Academy. Mr. Aima is the Bank’s Head of Equities, Private Banking and Third Party Products. He is also in charge of Non Resident Indian and International Consumer Banking. Mr. Aima serves as a Director of Raab Investment Private Limited, HDFC Securities Limited and Bluechip Corporate Investment Centre Limited.

Mr. Anil Jaggia is an engineering graduate from IIT, Kanpur. Thereafter, he received a management degree from the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. He is a senior banker with over 20 years of experience in banking across the world. He started his career in India with Citibank N.A. and then moved to the USA with Citibank N.A. for seven years. At Citibank, Mr. Jaggia held various senior management positions. He returned to India to take up the post of Chief Operating Officer at Centurion Bank Limited in 2004. He is currently Head of IT, Quality Initiatives, Legal, Administration and Infrastructure at the Bank.

Mr. Anil Nath holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Punjab and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. Mr. Nath has been with the Bank since 1995 and heads Business Banking, Agri and Correspondent Banking. He has over 35 years of experience in banking, having worked with State Bank of India and Times Bank Limited prior to joining the Bank in 1995.

Mr. Ashish Pathasarthy holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Karnataka Regional Engineering College and has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. He has over 20 years of experience in the interest rate and currency markets and holds the position of Head Treasury at the Bank.

Mr. Bhavesh Zaveri holds a Masters degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. Mr. Zaveri has been with the Bank since 1998, and heads wholesale banking operations and cash management products. Mr. Zaveri is a director on the board of the National Payment Corporation of India Limited (NPCI), The Clearing Corporation of India Limited, SWIFT Global Board and a member of the Technical Advisory Committee and Management Committee of NPCI.

Mr. Chakrapani holds a Company Secretary degree from The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, New Delhi and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. Mr. Chakrapani heads the Audit function of the Bank and he has been with the Bank since 1994. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Chakrapani worked with Standard Chartered Bank where he was responsible for audit and review of all activities in the Western Region for Operations, Trade Services, Credit Cards, Forex and Credit.

Mr. Jimmy Tata holds a Masters of Financial Management degree from the University of Mumbai and is a qualified Chartered Financial Analyst from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India, Hyderabad. He has over 20 years of work experience and has been with the Bank since 1994. He is currently the Head of Corporate Banking.

Mr. Kaizad Bharucha has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Mumbai. He has been a career banker with over two decades of banking experience and is Head of Credit and Market Risk, Risk Intelligence and Control and Debt Management. He was previously with SBI Commercial and International Bank Ltd. as Group Head of Credits. Mr. Bharucha serves as Director of HDB Financial Services Limited. He is a member of the risk committee and Asset Liability committee of HDB Financial Services Limited. He also serves on the board of International Asset Reconstruction Company, where he serves as a member of the Asset Acquisition and Reconstruction committee and the Strategy, Policy and Process committee, Governance committee and HR and remuneration committee of the Board.

 

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Mr. Navin Puri holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Calcutta University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He also received a Masters of Business Administration degree from Texas University, U.S.A. Mr. Puri has over 19 years of banking experience. He has been with the Bank since 1999. He currently heads the Retail Branch Banking business, and is also the Business Head for Retail Current Accounts of the Bank.

Mr. Rahul N. Bhagat holds a Bachelor of Arts in History (Hons) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University and a Masters degree in International Affairs from the College of William & Mary, Virginia, USA. He has over 19 years of experience in consumer banking, having worked with ANZ Grindlays Bank and Bank of America prior to joining the Bank in 1999. Mr. Bhagat heads the Retail Liabilities, Marketing, High Net-Worth and Direct Channels businesses in the Bank.

Mr. Rajender Sehgal holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Delhi University with specialization in Financial and Marketing Management. He has nearly 36 years of experience in industrial finance credit and international banking. Mr. Sehgal was employed by State Bank of India prior to joining the Bank. He has been with the Bank since 1998 and heads Financial Institutions Group, Custody and the Sustainable Livelihood Business.

Mr. Sashidhar Jagdishan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Mumbai and a Masters in Economics of Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Sheffield, UK. He is also a Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has been with the Bank since 1996 and heads the Finance function of the Bank.

Corporate Governance

Audit and Compliance Committee

The Audit and Compliance Committee (the “Audit Committee”) of the Bank is comprised of Mr. C. M. Vasudev, Dr. Pandit Palande, Mr. Partho Datta and Mr. Bobby Parikh. The Committee is chaired by Mr. C. M. Vasudev. The Committee met ten times during the year.

The terms of reference of the Audit Committee are in accordance with Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement entered into with the Stock Exchanges in India, and include the following:

 

  a) Overseeing the Bank’s financial reporting process and ensuring correct, adequate and credible disclosure of financial information;

 

  b) Recommending appointment and removal of external auditors and the fixing of their fees;

 

  c) Reviewing with management the annual financial statements before submission to the Board with special emphasis on accounting policies and practices, compliance with accounting standards and other legal requirements concerning financial statements;

 

  d) Reviewing the adequacy of the Audit and Compliance functions, including their policies, procedures, techniques and other regulatory requirements; and

 

  e) Any other terms of reference as may be included from time to time in Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the Indian Stock Exchanges.

The Board has also adopted a charter for the Audit Committee in connection with certain United States regulatory standards as the Bank’s securities are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee reviews the overall compensation structure and policies of the Bank with a view to attract, retain and motivate employees, consider grants of stock options to employees, review compensation levels of the Bank’s employees vis-à-vis other banks and the industry in general. The Bank’s compensation policy provides a fair and consistent basis for motivating and rewarding employees appropriately according to their job role, job size, performance, contribution, skill and competence.

Mr. C. M. Vasudev, Dr. Pandit Palande, Mr. Partho Datta and Mr. Bobby Parikh are the members of the Committee. The Committee is chaired by Mr. C. M. Vasudev. All the members of the Committee are independent directors.

The Committee met five times during the year.

Investors’ Grievance (Share) Committee

The Share Committee approves and monitors transfer, transmission, splitting and consolidation of shares. Allotment of shares to the employees on exercise of stock options granted under the various Employees Stock Option Schemes, which are made in terms of the powers delegated by the Board in this regard, is placed before the Committee for ratification. The Committee also monitors redress of complaints from shareholders relating to transfer of shares, non-receipt of the annual report and dividends.

 

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The Share Committee consists of Mr. A. N. Roy, Mrs. Renu Karnad, Mr. Aditya Puri and Mr. Paresh Sukthankar. The Committee is chaired by Mr. A.N. Roy. The powers to approve share transfers and dematerialization requests have been delegated to executives of the Bank to avoid delays that may arise due to the non-availability of the members of the Committee.

As on March 31, 2013, 16 instruments of transfer representing 4,685 equity shares were pending and have since been processed. The details of the transfers are reported to the Board of Directors from time to time.

During fiscal 2013, we received 2,577 complaints from our shareholders. All the complaints were attended to and as on March 31, 2013, no complaints remained unattended or pending. In addition, 9,827 letters were received from our shareholders relating to change of address, nomination requests, email id and contact details updation, ECS / NECS mandates, queries relating to annual reports, sub-division of shares and amalgamation, requests for revalidation of dividend and other investor related matters. These letters have also been responded to. The Committee met six times during the year.

Risk Policy and Monitoring Committee

The Risk Policy and Monitoring Committee has been formed as per the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India on the Asset Liability Management / Risk Management Systems. The Committee develops the Bank’s credit and market risk policies and procedures, verifies adherence to various risk parameters and prudential limits for treasury operations and reviews the Bank’s risk monitoring system. The Committee also ensures that the Bank’s credit exposure to any one group or industry does not exceed the internally set limits and that the risk is prudentially diversified.

The Committee consists of Mr. C. M. Vasudev, Mr. Partho Datta, Mrs. Renu Karnad, Mr. Aditya Puri and Mr. Paresh Sukthankar.

The Committee met six times during the year.

Credit Approval Committee

The Credit Approval Committee approves credit exposures, which are beyond the powers delegated to executives of the Bank. This facilitates quick response to the needs of the customers and speedy disbursement of loans. As on March 31, 2013, the Committee consisted of Mr. Bobby Parikh, Mr.Keki Mistry, Mr. Aditya Puri and Mr. Harish Engineer. The Credit Approval Committee was reconstituted by the Board at its meeting held on 23rd April 2013 by adding Mr. Vijay Merchant as a member of the Committee.

The Credit Approval Committee met eighteen times during the year.

Premises Committee

The Premises Committee approves purchases and leasing of premises for the use of Bank’s branches, back offices, ATMs and residence of executives in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Board. As of March 31, 2013 the Committee consisted of Mrs. Renu Karnad, Mr. Aditya Puri and Dr. Pandit Palande. The Premises Committee was reconstituted by the Board at its meeting held on April 23, 2013 when Mr.Vijay Merchant was appointed as a member of the Committee.

The Premises Committee met five times during the year.

Nomination Committee

The Bank has constituted a Nomination Committee for recommending the appointment of independent / non-executive directors on the Board of the Bank. The Nomination Committee scrutinizes the nominations for independent / non–executive directors, looks at their qualifications and experience. For identifying ‘Fit and Proper’ persons, the Committee adopts the following criteria to assess competency of the persons nominated:

 

   

academic qualifications, previous experience, track record; and

 

   

integrity of the candidates.

For assessing integrity and suitability, features like criminal records, financial position, civil actions undertaken to pursue personal debts, refusal of admission to and expulsion from professional bodies, sanctions applied by regulators or similar bodies and previous questionable business practices are considered. As on March 31, 2013 the Committee consisted of Mr. C. M. Vasudev, and Dr. Pandit Palande. The Nomination Committee was reconstituted by the Board at its meeting held on April 23, 2013 when Mr. Partho Datta was appointed as an additional member of the Committee. All the members of the Nomination Committee are independent directors.

The Nomination Committee met twice during the year.

 

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Fraud Monitoring Committee

Pursuant to the directions of the Reserve Bank of India, the Bank has constituted a Fraud Monitoring Committee, exclusively dedicated to the monitoring and following up of cases of fraud involving amounts of 10 million and above. The objectives of the Fraud Monitoring Committee are the effective detection of frauds and immediate reporting of the frauds and actions taken against the perpetrators of frauds to the concerned regulatory and enforcement agencies. The terms of reference of the Fraud Monitoring Committee are as under:

 

  a. Identify the systemic lacunae, if any, that facilitated perpetration of the fraud and put in place measures to plug the same;

 

  b. Identify the reasons for delay in detection, if any and report to top management of the Bank and the RBI;

 

  c. Monitor progress of investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation / Police Authorities and recovery position;

 

  d. Ensure that staff accountability is examined at all levels in all the cases of frauds and staff side action, if required, is completed quickly without any loss of time;

 

  e. Review the efficacy of the remedial action taken to prevent recurrence of frauds, such as strengthening of internal controls; and

 

  f. Put in place other measures as may be considered relevant to strengthen preventive measures against frauds.

The members of the Fraud Monitoring Committee are Mr. C. M. Vasudev, Dr. Pandit Palande, Mr. Partho Datta, Mr. A. N. Roy, Mr.Keki Mistry and Mr. Aditya Puri.

The Fraud Monitoring Committee met four times during the year.

Customer Service Committee

The Customer Service Committee monitors the quality of services rendered to the Bank’s customers and also ensures implementation of directives received from RBI in this regard. The terms of reference of the Committee are to formulate a comprehensive deposit policy incorporating the issues arising out of the death of a depositor for operations of his account, the product approval process, the annual survey of depositor satisfaction and the triennial audit of such services.

The members of the Customer Service Committee are Mr. C. M. Vasudev, Dr. Pandit Palande, Mr. A. N. Roy, Mr. Keki Mistry and Mr. Aditya Puri.

The Customer Service Committee met four times during the year.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee

At its meeting held on April 23, 2013, the Board constituted a CSR Committee with the following terms of reference:

 

  a. To formulate the Bank’s CSR strategy, policy and goals

 

  b. To monitor the Bank’s CSR policy and performance

 

  c. To review the CSR projects/initiatives from time to time

 

  d. To ensure legal and regulatory compliance with respect to CSR; and

 

  e. To ensure reporting and communication to stakeholders on the Bank’s CSR

The members of CSR Committee are Mrs. Renu Karnad, Mr. Partho Datta, Mr. Bobby Parikh, Mr. Aditya Puri and Mr. Paresh Sukthankar.

Committees of Executives

We have also established committees of executives that meet frequently to discuss and determine the management of assets and liabilities and other operations and personnel issues.

Borrowing Powers of Directors

Our shareholders, at the annual general meeting held on June 10, 2008, passed a special resolution pursuant to Section 293(1)(d) of the Companies Act, authorizing the Board of Directors to borrow, for business purposes of the Bank, such sum or sums of money as they may deem necessary, notwithstanding the fact that the money borrowed or to be borrowed from time to time (apart from acceptances of deposits of money from the public repayable on demand or otherwise and withdrawable by check, draft, order or otherwise and/or temporary loans obtained in the ordinary course of business from banks, whether in India or outside India) will exceed our aggregate of paid-up capital and free reserves, subject to the condition that the total outstanding amount of such borrowings shall not exceed Rs. 200 billion over and above our aggregate paid-up capital and free reserves at any time.

 

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The terms on which the board of directors may borrow funds may include the lender’s right to appoint directors, the allotment of shares to certain public financial institutions and, with prior shareholder and regulatory approval, the allotment of shares to other entities.

Compensation of Directors and Members of Our Senior Management

The compensation arrangements for our Chairman, Managing Director and Executive Directors are approved by the shareholders and the RBI on the recommendation of our Board of Directors.

At the 18th Annual General Meeting held on July 13, 2012, the shareholders of the Bank approved the re-appointment of our Managing Director for the period from April 1, 2013 to October 31, 2015 and also approved the revised salary/compensation and allowances of the Managing Director, with effect from April 1, 2013, subject to the approval of the RBI. The RBI has since approved the reappointment of Mr. Aditya Puri as the Managing Director of the Bank for the period from April 1, 2013 to October 31, 2015. The approval for the revision in his remuneration from April 1, 2013 onwards is however, awaited. At the Annual General Meeting held on June 27, 2013, the shareholders of the Bank, subject to the approval of the Reserve Bank of India, approved the re-appointment of Mr. Paresh Sukthankar as Executive Director and revision in his remuneration terms for the period from October 12, 2013 to October 11, 2016.

For fiscal 2013, the aggregate amount of compensation paid to our Managing Director, Executive Directors and members of our senior management was approximately Rs. 342.9 million. This remuneration includes basic salary, allowances, performance bonus, cash allowances in lieu of perquisites or taxable value of perquisites, if availed as computed as per Income-tax rules but excludes gratuity, provident fund settlement, superannuation settlement and perquisite on exercise of stock options.

Under our organizational documents, each director, except the Managing Director and Executive Directors, is entitled to sitting fees for attending each meeting of the Board of Directors or of a Board Committee. The amount of sitting fees is decided by the Board from time to time in accordance with limitations prescribed by the Companies Act or the Government of India. At the Board meeting held on October 17, 2006, it was decided that sitting fees for attending Board meetings and Committee meetings would be Rs. 20,000 per meeting, except in the case of meetings of the Investors’ Grievance (Share) Committee, for which the sitting fees are Rs. 10,000 per meeting. We reimburse directors for travel and related expenses in connection with Board and committee meetings and related matters. Stock options have not been granted to Non-Executive Directors.

Mr. C.M. Vasudev, Chairman, was paid remuneration of Rs. 1.5 million during fiscal 2013. Mr. C.M. Vasudev is also paid sitting fees for attending Board and Committee meetings.

The details of the remuneration paid during fiscal 2013 to Mr. Aditya Puri, Managing Director and Mr. Harish Engineer and Mr. Paresh Sukthankar, Executive Directors, are as follows:

 

Particulars

   Aditya Puri      Harish Engineer      Paresh Sukthankar  
     (Rs. in million, except stock options)  

Basic

     19.8        11.0        11.0  

Allowances and perquisites

     12.6        14.4        12.1  

Provident fund

     2.4        1.3        1.3  

Superannuation

     3.0        1.7        1.7  

Performance bonus

     12.4        7.4        7.4  

Number of stock options granted during the year

     —           —           —     

The Bank provides for gratuity in the form of a lump-sum payment on retirement or on death while in employment or on termination of employment of an amount equivalent to 15 days basic salary payable for each completed year of service. The Bank makes annual contributions to a gratuity fund administered by trustees and managed by insurance companies for amounts notified by the said insurance companies. The Bank accounts for the liability for future gratuity benefits based on an independent external actuarial valuation carried out annually. Perquisites (evaluated as per Income Tax Rules wherever applicable and at actual cost to the Bank otherwise) such as the benefit of furnished accommodation, gas, electricity, water and furnishings, club fees, personal accident insurance, use of car and telephone at residence, medical reimbursement, leave and leave travel concession and retirement benefits such as provident fund, superannuation and gratuity are also provided.

 

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The details of sitting fees paid to Non-Executive Directors during fiscal 2013 are as follows:

 

Name of the Director

   Sitting Fees (Rs.)  

Mr. C. M. Vasudev

     740,000  

Mr. Keki Mistry

     640,000  

Mrs. Renu Karnad

     330,000  

Mr. Ashim Samanta1

     470,000  

Dr. Pandit Palande

     720,000  

Mr. Partho Datta

     620,000  

Mr. Bobby Parikh

     680,000  

Mr. Anami N. Roy

     340,000  

 

1 

Mr Ashim Samanta ceased to be a Director with effect from November 19, 2012

The details of remuneration paid to employees who were employed throughout the year and were in receipt of remuneration of more than Rs. 6.0 million per annum and those employed for part of the year and were in receipt of remuneration of more than Rs. 0.5 million per month are given in the Annexure to the Directors’ Report according to the provisions of Section 217 (2A) of the Companies Act. Section 219 (1) (iv) of the Companies Act, provides that the Annexure need not be circulated to shareholders. Any shareholder wishing to obtain the details of remuneration may write to the Bank and obtain a copy of the Annexure to the Directors’ Report.

No stock options were granted to members of our senior management including the Managing Director and Executive Directors during fiscal 2013.

Other than our Chairman, Managing Director and Executive Directors, none of our directors has a service contract with us.

Loans to Members of Our Senior Management

Loans to members of our senior management are granted in the normal course within the Bank’s scheme, as is the case with employees of the Bank. This is within the provisions of local regulations. The below table provides the details of loans granted to our senior management as of March 31, 2013.

 

Name

   Largest amount
Outstanding since
March 31, 2012
     Amount outstanding
as of March 31,
2013
     Interest rate as of
March 31, 2013
    Nature of Loan  
     (Rs. in million, except percentages)  

Abhay Aima

     6.48         6.34         11     Housing Loan   

Abhay Aima

     0.56         0.44         5     Personal Loan   

Ashish Parthasarthy

     6.63         6.55         11     Housing Loan   

Aditya Puri

     5.00         5.00         11     Housing Loan   

Anil Nath

     2.93         2.80         11     Housing Loan   

Anil Jaggia

     20.00         20.00         11     Housing Loan   

Bhavesh Zaveri

     0.59         0.59         5     Personal Loan   

Harish Engineer

     2.30         2.30         11     Housing Loan   

Kaizad Bharucha

     4.57         4.50         11     Housing Loan   

Navin Puri

     4.10         3.95         11     Housing Loan   

Navin Puri

     0.31         0.21         5     Personal Loan   

Rahul Bhagat

     7.22         7.07         11     Housing Loan   

Rajender Sehgal

     3.95         3.81         11     Housing Loan   

Rajender Sehgal

     0.38         0.24         5     Personal Loan   

Sashidhar Jagdishan

     6.42         6.31         11     Housing Loan   

Sashidhar Jagdishan

     0.59         0.47         5     Personal Loan   

Chakrapani V

     3.83         3.68         11     Housing Loan   

Chakrapani V

     0.35         0.26         5     Personal Loan   

 

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Employees Stock Options

Our shareholders approved plan ‘A-(year 2000)’ in January 2000, plan ‘B-(year 2003)’ in June 2003, plan ‘C-(year 2005)’ in June 2005, plan ‘D-(year 2007)’ in June 2007 and plan ‘E-(year 2010)’ in June 2010 for the issuance of stock options to employees and directors of the Bank under the Employees Stock Option Schemes (ESOSs), namely ESOS-001 to ESOS-018. Under plan ‘A’, the option price is set as the average of the daily closing prices on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited during the 60 days preceding the grant date. Under plan ‘B’, the option price is set as the closing prices on the business day preceding the grant date on whichever stock exchange in India has the highest trading volume for our shares during the two weeks preceding the date of grant. Under plans ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’, the option price is set as the closing price on the business day preceding the grant date on the stock exchange where there is the highest trading volume. Our Compensation Committee has issued options under these plans several times since January 2000. The options granted under ESOS-001 to ESOS-009 vest at the rate of 30.0%, 30.0% and 40.0% on each of the three successive anniversaries following the date of grant, stock options granted under ESOS-010 to ESOS-013 vest at the rate of 50% and 50% on each of the two successive anniversaries following the date of grant, those granted under ESOS-014 and ESOS-015 vest completely on the first anniversary of the date of the grant and options granted under ESOS-16, ESOS-17 and ESOS-18 vest at the rate of 75% and 25% on each of the two successive anniversaries following the date of grant. All the above are subject to standard vesting conditions. In fiscal 2013, 32.7 million equity shares having a face value of Rs. 2.0 each were allotted as a result of the exercise of stock options by the employees of the Bank. This resulted in our paid-up capital increasing by Rs. 65.4 million and the share premium by Rs. 10,887.1 million. As of March 31, 2013, 65.4 million options convertible to equity shares of Rs. 2.0 each were outstanding. On acquisition of CBoP, all options granted to the employees of CBoP and outstanding as on the effective date were converted in the swap ratio of one option of HDFC Bank for every 29 options of CBoP. Correspondingly, the exercise price of the converted options was determined based on the exercise price originally stipulated by CBoP multiplied by 29. These options are exercisable within a period of 5 years from the date of vesting. Key options were granted at an exercise price, which was less than the then market price of the shares of CBoP. General options were granted at the market price. The market price was the latest available closing price, prior to the date of the meeting of the Compensation Committee of the Board of CBoP in which options were granted or shares issued, on the Indian stock exchanges on which CBoP was listed. As the shares of CBoP were listed on more than one stock exchange, the closing price on the stock exchange where trading volume on said date was the highest was considered.

Other Compensation

All employees, including our Managing Director, Executive Directors and officers, receive the benefit of our gratuity and provident fund retirement schemes. Our superannuation fund covers all employees at a senior manager level or above, including our Managing Director. Our gratuity fund, required to be paid to an employee post-completion of a minimum of 5 years of continuous service under Indian law, is a defined benefit plan that, upon retirement, death while employed or termination / resignation of employment, pays a lump sum equivalent to 15 days basic salary for each completed year of service. The superannuation fund is a retirement plan under which we annually contribute 13.0% (15.0% for the Managing Director and Executive Directors) of the eligible employee’s annual salary to the administrator of the fund. Under the provident fund, required by Indian law, both we and the employee contribute monthly at a determined rate (currently 12.0% of the employee’s basic salary). Of this, the Bank contributes an amount (currently 8.33% of the lower of Rs. 6,500 or the employee’s basic salary) to the pension scheme administered by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, and the balance is contributed to a fund we set up which is administered by a board of trustees.

Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Bank performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2013. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) are effective.

Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of March 31, 2013, to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in filings and submissions under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions about required disclosure.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

 

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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of our assets;

 

   

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

 

   

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use or dispositions of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013. In conducting its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management based its evaluation on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2013.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte Haskins & Sells, has performed an integrated audit and has issued their report, included herein, on 1) our consolidated financial statements; and 2) the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could materially, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls during the period covered by this report.

Audit and Compliance Committee Financial Expert

Mr. Partho Datta and Mr. Bobby Parikh are the audit committee financial experts as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K and are independent pursuant to applicable Commission rules.

Code of Ethics

We have a written code of ethics applicable to the Managing Director (Chief Executive Officer), the Chief Financial Officer and members of our senior management. We believe the code constitutes a ‘code of ethics’ as defined in Item 16B of Form 20-F. We will provide a copy of such code of ethics to any person without charge upon request. Requests may be made by writing to shareholder.grievances@hdfcbank.com.

We also have a whistle blower policy that contains procedures for receiving, retaining and treating complaints received, and procedures for the confidential and anonymous submission by employees of complaints, regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters or conduct which results in a violation of law by the Bank or in a substantial mismanagement of the Bank’s resources. Under this whistle blower policy, our employees are encouraged to report questionable accounting matters or any fraudulent financial information provided to our shareholders, the government or the financial markets, or any conduct that results in a violation of law by the Bank, to our management (on an anonymous basis, if employees so desire). Under this policy we have also prohibited discrimination, retaliation or harassment of any kind against any employee who, based on the employee’s reasonable belief that such conduct or practices have occurred or are occurring, reports such information or participates in an investigation.

 

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Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table sets forth for the fiscal years indicated the fees paid to our principal accountant and its associated entities for various services provided during these periods:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended       

Type of Services

   March 31, 2012      March 31, 2013     

Description of Services

     (in millions)       

Audit services

   Rs. 31.4       Rs. 29.1       Audit of financial statements

Audit-related services

     —           —         Services related to review of financial statements and due diligence

Tax services

     —           —         Tax audit, tax returns, tax processing, tax filing and advisory services

Other services

     0.9         6.7       Special audit/other advisory services

Total

   Rs. 32.3       Rs. 35.8      

Our Audit and Compliance Committee charter requires us to receive the approval of our Audit and Compliance Committee on every occasion we engage our principal accountants or their associated entities to provide us any non-audit services. All of the non-audit services provided by our principal accountants or their associated entities in the previous two fiscal years have been pre-approved by our Audit and Compliance Committee.

Compliance with NYSE Listing Standards on Corporate Governance

We are incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956, and our equity shares are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, which are the major stock exchanges in India. Our corporate governance framework is in compliance with the Companies Act, the regulations and guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) and the requirements of the listing agreements entered into with the Indian stock exchanges (“Listing Agreement”). We also have American Depository Shares (“ADSs”) listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).

Companies listed on the NYSE must comply with certain standards of corporate governance set forth in Section 303A of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual. Listed companies that are foreign private issuers, as the term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), are permitted to follow home country practices in lieu of the provisions of this Section 303A, except that foreign private issuers are required to comply with the requirements of Sections 303A.06, 303A.11 and 303A.12(b) and (c) of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual. As per these requirements, a foreign private issuer must:

 

  1. Establish an independent audit committee that has specified responsibilities and authority. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.06];

 

  2. Provide prompt written notice by its chief executive officer if any executive officer becomes aware of any non-compliance with any applicable corporate governance rules. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.12(b)];

 

  3. Provide to the NYSE annual written affirmations with respect to its corporate governance practices, and interim written affirmations in the event of a change to the board or a board committee. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.12(c)]; and

 

  4. Include a statement of significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those followed by U.S. companies in the annual report of the foreign private issuer. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.11]

 

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In a few cases, the Indian corporate governance rules under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement differ from those in the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual as summarized below:

 

NYSE Corporate Governance Standards applicable to NYSE Listed
Companies

  

Corporate Governance Rules as per Listing Agreements with Indian
Stock Exchange(s)

Board of Directors (“Board”)     
An NYSE listed company needs to have a majority of independent directors. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.01]    The board of an Indian stock exchange listed company needs to have an optimum combination of executive and non-executive directors, with not less than 50% of the directors being non-executive directors.
A director must meet certain criteria in order to qualify as “independent”. An NYSE listed company must disclose the identity of its independent directors and the basis upon which it is determined they are independent. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.02]    If the chairman of the board of directors is a non-executive director of the company, at least one-third of the directors must be independent. If the chairman is an executive director, at least half of the directors must be independent. However, if the non-executive chairman is a promoter of the company or is related to any promoter or person occupying management positions at the Board level or one level below the Board, at least half of the directors on the Board of the company must be independent.
   The definition of the term “independent director” is different and is set out in Clause 49 (I)(A)(iii) of the Listing Agreement.

Executive Sessions

  
Non-management directors need to meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.03]    There is no requirement for such sessions.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee   
An NYSE listed company needs to have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.04]    An Indian stock exchange listed company may, but is not required to, have a nomination committee, and if it does, the committee need not be comprised entirely of independent directors.
The nominating/corporate governance committee needs to have a written charter that addresses certain specific committee purposes and responsibilities and provides for an annual performance evaluation of the committee. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.04]    If an Indian stock exchange listed company has a nomination committee, it is not required to have a charter for that committee. The performance evaluation of non-executive directors can be done by a peer group comprised of the entire board of directors, excluding the director being evaluated.
Compensation Committee   
An NYSE listed company needs to have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors. Compensation committee members must satisfy certain additional independence requirements set forth in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual by the deadline specified therein. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.05]    As per a non-mandatory Indian requirement, Indian stock exchange listed companies are encouraged to establish a compensation/remuneration committee to determine on behalf of the board and the shareholders the company’s policy on specific remuneration packages for executive directors, including compensation and pension rights. To avoid conflicts of interest, it is a non-mandatory requirement that any compensation committee may consist of at least three non-executive directors. It is also a non-mandatory requirement that the chairman of any compensation committee may be an independent director.
The compensation committee needs to have a written charter that addresses certain specific purposes and responsibilities of the committee and provides for an annual performance evaluation of the committee. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.05]    Any compensation committee may, but is not required to, have a charter. The annual corporate governance report of an Indian stock exchange listed company generally provides details of remuneration, including brief details of the remuneration policy of the company and any compensation committee’s agreed terms of reference.

 

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Audit Committee

  
An NYSE listed company needs to have an audit committee with at least three members. All the members of the audit committee must satisfy the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and the requirements of NYSE Corporate Governance Standard 303A.02. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Sections 303A.06 and 303A.07]    An Indian stock exchange listed company must have a qualified and independent audit committee comprised of at least three members with certain specified powers and roles. At least 2/3 of the members must be independent and all members must be financially literate and at least one member must have accounting or related financial management expertise. The chairman of the committee must be an independent director.
The audit committee needs to have a written charter that addresses certain specific purposes of the committee, provides for an annual performance evaluation of the committee and sets forth certain specific minimum duties and responsibilities. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.07]    The audit committee is not required to have a written charter. However, in the Listing Agreement, Clause 49C sets out the powers of the audit committee, Clause 49D sets forth the required roles of the audit committee and Clause 49E sets out the information which should mandatorily be reviewed by the audit committee.

Internal Audit Function

  
An NYSE listed company needs to have an internal audit function to provide management and the audit committee with ongoing assessments of the company’s risk management processes and system of internal control. A company may choose to outsource this function to a third party service provider other than its independent auditor. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.07]    Although an internal audit function is not required, one of the roles of the audit committee is “reviewing the adequacy of internal audit function, if any, including the structure of the internal audit department, staffing and seniority of the official heading the department, reporting structure coverage and frequency of internal audit”. All internal audit reports relating to internal control weaknesses of the company must be reviewed by the audit committee. Also, the appointment, removal and terms of remuneration of the chief internal auditor are subject to review by the audit committee. Therefore, an Indian stock exchange listed company is required to conduct an internal audit and to have a department to conduct the internal audit.

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plans

  
Shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity-compensation plans and material revisions thereto, with limited exemptions. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.08]    There is a requirement of shareholders’ approval for equity compensation and material revisions thereto under the Companies Act, 1956 and the SEBI (Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme) Guidelines, 1999 but not under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement.

Corporate Governance Guidelines/Code of Ethics

  
An NYSE listed company needs to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.09]    There is no such mandatory requirement to adopt corporate governance guidelines. An Indian stock exchange listed company has to comply with all the requirements prescribed under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement.
An NYSE listed company needs to adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.10]    An Indian stock exchange listed company needs to adopt a code of conduct / ethics applicable to all members of the board of directors and senior management one level below the board. The company’s annual report must contain a declaration signed by the CEO stating that all board members and senior management personnel have complied with the code of conduct. The company’s annual report and quarterly compliance report on corporate governance must disclose any non-compliance with the code by the board members and senior management.

Certifications as to Compliance

  
The CEO of each NYSE listed company has to certify on an annual basis that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. This certification, as well as the CEO/CFO certification required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, must be disclosed in the company’s annual report to shareholders. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Section 303A.12]    The CEO and the CFO are required to provide an annual certification on the true and fair view of the company’s financial statements and compliance with existing accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations. In addition, Indian stock exchange listed companies are required to submit a quarterly compliance report. Indian stock exchange listed companies are also required to submit a certificate from either the auditors or practicing company secretaries regarding compliance with conditions of corporate governance on an annual basis.

 

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Posting of Charters, Guidelines, etc. on Website

  
An NYSE listed company is required to post the charters of its audit, compensation, and nominating/corporate governance committees, its corporate governance guidelines, and its code of business conduct and ethics on the company’s website, and to state in its proxy statement or annual report that these documents are so posted. The listed company’s website address must be included in such postings. [NYSE Listed Company Manual Sections 303A.04, 303A.05, 303A.07, 303A.09 and 303A.10]    There is no such similar requirement for an Indian listed company. However, the Board of an Indian listed company must have a code of conduct for all Board members and senior management of the company. The code of conduct must be posted on the website of the company.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Our main objects are to carry on banking activity and other related activities. Our objects and purposes can be found in clauses A and B of our Memorandum of Association (the “Memorandum”).

Under the Articles of Association, a director may not vote, participate in discussions or be counted for purposes of a quorum with respect to any decision relating to whether we will enter into any contract or arrangement if the director is directly or indirectly interested in such contract or arrangement. The board of directors may not hold meetings in the absence of a quorum. Pursuant to the Companies Act, our directors have the power to borrow money for business purposes only with the consent of the shareholders (with certain limited exceptions).

Sections 172 through 187 of the Articles set forth certain rights and restrictions relating to dividend distributions. One of these restrictions is that dividends may be approved only at a general meeting of shareholders, but in no event in an amount greater than the amount recommended by the board of directors.

Subject to the Companies Act, profits of a company are divisible among shareholders in proportion to the amount of capital paid up on the shares held by them respectively. In the event of liquidation, surplus will be distributed in proportion to the capital paid up or which ought to have been paid up on the shares held by shareholders respectively at the time of commencement of the winding up. The board of directors may make calls on shareholders in respect of all money unpaid on the shares held by them and not by the conditions of allotment thereof.

The rights and privileges of any class of shareholders may not be modified without the approval of three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the issued shares of that class.

The annual general meeting shall be called for at a time during business hours at our registered office or at some other place within Mumbai as the board of directors may determine. The notice of the meeting shall specify it as the Annual General Meeting. Any general meeting of the shareholders of the Bank other than its Annual General Meeting is called an Extraordinary General Meeting. The board of directors is required to call an Extraordinary General Meeting upon the request of a set number of shareholders, as set forth in the Companies Act.

 

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PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

The following table contains information relating to the beneficial ownership of our equity shares as of March 31, 2013 by:

 

   

each person or group of affiliated persons known by us to beneficially own 5.0% or more of our equity shares; and

 

   

individual directors and their relatives as well as the senior management of the Bank.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting and investment power with respect to equity shares. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons listed in the table have sole voting and sole investment control with respect to all equity shares beneficially owned. All shares issued in India have the same voting rights. We have not issued different classes of securities.

By a special resolution on July 6, 2011, the shareholders of the Bank approved a stock split resulting in a reduction in the par value of each equity share from Rs. 10.0 to Rs. 2.0 per equity share effective as of July 16, 2011. All share/ADS and per share/ADS data have been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of the stock split. One ADS continues to represent three shares.

We were founded by HDFC Limited, a housing finance company in India. As of March 31, 2013, HDFC Limited, together with its subsidiaries, held an aggregate of 22.83% of our equity shares.

 

     Number of Shares      Percentage of
Total Equity
Shares
Outstanding
 

HDFC group

     543,216,100        22.83

Life Insurance Corporation of India

     106,787,756        4.49

Directors and relatives

     3,930,140        0.17

The ADSs are represented by underlying equity shares. As on March 31, 2013, Indian equity shares numbering 394,990,419 represent the ADSs and constitute 16.60% of the Bank’s capital. In our books only, the Depository, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, is the shareholder with respect to equity shares underlying ADSs. We are unable to estimate the number of record holders of ADSs in the United States.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The following is a summary of transactions we have engaged in with our promoter and principal shareholder, HDFC Limited, and its subsidiaries and other related parties, including those in which we or our management have a significant equity interest. Figures herein reflecting our equity interests exclude shares held by our employees welfare trust, established for the benefit of our employees.

All transactions with HDFC group companies and the other related parties listed below are on terms that we believe are as favorable to us as those that could be obtained from a non-affiliated third party in an arm’s-length transaction. In addition, our banking license from the RBI stipulates that we can only transact business with HDFC Limited and its affiliates on an arm’s-length basis.

Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (“HDFC Limited”)

Housing Loans

We participate in the home loan business by selling loans provided by HDFC Limited. Under this arrangement, HDFC Limited approves and disburses the loans, which are kept on the books of HDFC Limited, and we are paid a sourcing fee. Under the arrangement, we have an option but not an obligation to purchase up to 70% of the fully disbursed home loans sourced under this arrangement. During fiscal 2013, we purchased AAA-rated home loans aggregating to Rs. 51,644.0 million from HDFC Limited under the above arrangement, some of which qualified as priority sector advances. We earned Rs. 1,395.9 million from HDFC Limited in fiscal 2013 as fees for selling these loans and other services rendered. We paid Rs. 462.4 million to HDFC Limited towards administration and servicing of these loans. An amount of Rs. 139.7 million was receivable from HDFC Limited as of March 31, 2013.

Property

We have facilities located on four properties owned or leased by HDFC Limited. In fiscal 2013, we paid an aggregate of Rs. 17.0 million as rental fees, maintenance and service charges to HDFC Limited for use of these properties. We believe that we pay market rates for these properties. As of March 31, 2013, HDFC Limited held a deposit of Rs. 1.5 million that we have paid to secure these leased properties.

Other Transactions

We also enter into foreign exchange and derivative transactions with HDFC Limited. The notional principal amount and the mark to market gains in respect of foreign exchange and derivative contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2013 were Rs. 2,500.0 million and Rs. 49.3 million, respectively.

We paid a dividend of Rs. 1,690.8 million to HDFC Limited during fiscal 2013, as proposed in the previous fiscal year.

HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited (“HDFC Standard Life”)

In fiscal 2013, we paid HDFC Standard Life Rs. 763.1 million as our contribution towards superannuation in respect of our employees. In the same period, we received fees and commissions from HDFC Standard Life aggregating Rs. 4,722.3 million for the sale of insurance policies and other services. As of March 31, 2013, commissions amounting to Rs. 762.5 million were receivable from HDFC Standard Life. As of March 31, 2013, HDFC Standard Life had invested Rs. 610.0 million in the Bank’s tier II bonds. During fiscal 2013, we purchased from and sold to HDFC Standard Life, securities of Rs. 2,942.4 million and Rs. 6,500.2 million respectively.

HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (“HDFC AMC”)

During fiscal 2013, we earned Rs. 684.1 million as fees from HDFC AMC for distribution of units of mutual funds and other services rendered. As of March 31, 2013, fees of Rs. 132.2 million were receivable from HDFC AMC.

 

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HDFC Ergo General Insurance Company Limited (“HDFC Ergo”)

We paid Rs. 347.6 million to HDFC Ergo towards insurance premiums in fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2013, we received Rs. 1,263.1 million for the sale of insurance policies and other services rendered. As of March 31, 2013, an amount of Rs. 116.8 million was receivable from HDFC Ergo. As of March 31, 2013, HDFC Ergo had invested Rs. 50.0 million in the Bank’s tier II bonds. During fiscal 2013, we sold securities of Rs. 2,171.6 million to HDFC Ergo.

GRUH Finance Limited (“GRUH Finance”)

During fiscal 2013, we earned Rs. 4.5 million as fees from GRUH Finance for rendering cash management services.

HDFC Sales Private Limited (“HDFC Sales”)

During fiscal 2013, we earned Rs. 5.7 million as fees from HDFC Sales for referring our clients seeking advisory services relating to real estate. As of March 31, 2013, fees of Rs.4.9 million were receivable from HDFC Sales.

Credila Financial Services Private Limited (“Credila”)

During fiscal 2013, we earned Rs. 7.2 million as fees from Credila for sourcing education loans. As of March 31, 2013, fees of Rs. 1.0 million were receivable from Credila.

Salisbury Investments Private Limited (“Salisbury Investments”)

We have paid a security deposit of Rs. 35.0 million to Salisbury Investments and, in fiscal 2013, we paid rent of Rs. 6.6 million for the residential accommodation of our Managing Director to Salisbury Investments in which the relatives of the Managing Director hold a stake.

International Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (“IARCL”)

IARCL was an associate of CBoP due to the latter’s investment in IARCL, which we took over on our acquisition of CBoP. As of March 31, 2013, the book value of our investment in the equity of IARCL was Rs. 311.7 million. We have an investment of Rs. 156.7 million in security receipts issued by IARCL as of March 31, 2013. During the year ended March 31, 2013, we received Rs. 2.7 million towards services rendered to IARCL. As of March 31, 2013, the outstanding balance of loans given to IARCL was Rs. 79.8 million.

Key Management Personnel and Their Relatives

In fiscal 2013, we paid a total remuneration of Rs. 119.5 million to Mr. Aditya Puri, our managing director, Mr. Harish Engineer and Mr. Paresh Sukthankar, our executive directors. In the same fiscal year, we paid Rs. 3.0 million and Rs. 3.0 million to Mr. Harish Engineer and Mr. Paresh Sukthankar, respectively, as rent for their residential accommodation. As of March 31, 2013, the outstanding balances of the security deposits we had given to Mr. Harish Engineer, his relatives and Mr. Paresh Sukthankar were Rs. 7.2 million, Rs. 7.8 million and Rs. 15.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2013, the outstanding balances of the housing loans given to Mr. Aditya Puri and Mr. Harish Engineer were Rs. 5.0 million and Rs. 2.3 million, respectively. We also earned interest income amounting to Rs. 0.4 million on the above loans in fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2013, securities of Rs. 52.6 million were sold to key management personnel.

Other Strategic Investments

We frequently partner with other HDFC group companies when making strategic investments. We currently have two strategic investments in which HDFC group companies are co-investors. We are required to comply with the RBI regulations on holding equity stake in another company. The following is a list of strategic investments made by us and the HDFC group companies:

 

Company

  

Type of Business

   HDFC Bank
Investment
     HDFC Bank
Ownership
    Total HDFC
Group ownership
 
     (in millions)  

Computer Age Management Services Private Limited (“CAMS”)

   Unit capital accounting and transfer agency services    Rs. 3.3         10.2 %     31.2

Softcell Technologies Limited (“Softcell”)

   Business-to-business software services    Rs. 26.0         12.0     26.0

We routinely conduct business with some of the companies in which we have made strategic investments.

We have entered into normal banking transactions with some of the above parties and we believe all such transactions to be at arms-length.

 

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TAXATION

Indian Taxation of the ADSs

The following is a summary of the principal Indian tax consequences for non-resident investors of the ADSs and the equity shares issuable on conversion of the ADSs. The summary is based on the provisions of Section 115AC and other applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961) (the “Indian Income Tax Act”) and the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares (through Depositary Receipt Mechanism) Scheme, 1993 promulgated by the Government of India (the “Depositary Receipt Scheme”) (together the “Section 115AC Regime”). Further, it only addresses the tax consequences for persons who are non-residents as defined in the Indian Income Tax Act, who acquire ADSs or equity shares (upon conversion) and who hold such ADSs or equity shares (upon conversion) as capital assets, and does not address the tax consequences which may be relevant to other classes of non-resident investors, including dealers. The summary assumes that the person continues to remain a non-resident when income by way of interest, dividends and capital gains is earned.

EACH INVESTOR IS ADVISED TO CONSULT HIS/HER TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES APPLICABLE ON INVESTMENTS IN THE ADSs.

The following discussion describes the material Indian income tax and stamp duty consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposal of the ADSs.

This summary is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of the tax consequences under Indian law of the acquisition, ownership and sale of the ADSs (or equity shares upon conversion) by non-resident investors. Investors should therefore consult their tax advisors about the tax consequences of such acquisition, ownership and sale including, specifically, tax consequences under Indian law, the laws of the jurisdiction of their residence, any tax treaty between India and their country of residence or the United States, the country of residence of the overseas depositary bank (the “Depositary”), as applicable and, in particular, the applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act and the Section 115AC regime. The Indian Income Tax Act is amended every year by the Finance Act of the relevant year. Some or all of the tax consequences of the Section 115AC regime may be modified or amended by future amendments to the Income Tax Act.

Taxation of Distributions

Upon conversion of ADSs into equity shares, dividends paid to such non-resident holder are not presently taxable. Until fiscal 2013, the domestic companies were liable to pay a dividend distribution tax at the rate of 16.22 percent inclusive of applicable surcharge and education cess. The Finance Act, 2013 increased the surcharge on dividend distribution tax from 5 percent to 10 percent which resulted in an increase in the effective rate of dividend distribution tax from 16.22 percent to 16.995 percent with effect from April 1, 2013. In India, dividends are not taxable in the hands of the recipient.

Distribution to non-residents of bonus ADSs or bonus shares or rights to subscribe for equity shares (for the purposes of this section, “Rights”) made with respect to ADSs or shares are not subject to Indian tax.

Taxation of Capital Gains in Relation to ADSs

The taxation of capital gains in the hands of the non-resident investor at the time of sale of ADSs and upon conversion of ADSs into equity shares is set forth below.

    Transfer of ADSs between non-residents—The transfer of ADSs by a non-resident to another non-resident outside India is covered under Section 115AC of the Indian Income Tax Act. However, pursuant to a specific exemption under Section 47(viia) of the Indian Income Tax Act, this is not considered a “transfer” and therefore is not liable to capital gains tax in India.

    Conversion of ADSs into Equity Shares—When a non-resident converts ADSs into equity shares, then there is a “transfer” at the time of conversion resulting in capital gains. If, immediately prior to conversion, the ADSs have been held for more than 36 months from the date of purchase, then the gains on such conversion are considered long-term capital gains chargeable to tax at a concessional rate of 10 percent (plus applicable surcharge and education cess) under Section 115AC(c)(ii) of the Indian Income Tax Act. If the ADSs have been held for less than 36 months from the date of purchase, then the gains on such conversion are considered short term capital gains chargeable to tax at the rate of tax as may otherwise be applicable to the non-resident.

    Sale of Equity Shares Received Upon Conversion of ADSs—When a non-resident sells equity shares received upon conversion of ADSs, which shares have been held for more than 12 months from the date of conversion, on a recognized stock exchange, and also pays securities transaction tax (“STT”) in respect of such sale, then the gains realized are considered long-term capital gains. Such gains are exempt from tax under Section 10(38) of the Indian Income Tax Act. If, on the other hand, a non-resident sells equity shares received upon conversion of ADS, which shares have been held for less than 12 months from the date of conversion, on a recognized stock exchange and pays STT in respect of such sale, then the gains realized are considered short-term capital gains. Such gains are taxable at the rate of 15 percent, excluding the applicable surcharge and education cess, under Section 111A(1)(i) of the Indian Income Tax Act.

 

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Since July 1, 2012, as amended by the Finance Bill, 2012, in respect of a sale and purchase of equity shares entered into on a recognized stock exchange, (i) both the buyer and the seller are required to pay STT at the rate of 0.1% of the transaction value of the securities, if the transaction is a delivery based transaction, which means that the transaction involves actual delivery or transfer of shares. Since June 1, 2006, as amended by the Finance Act 2006, the seller of the shares is required to pay STT at the rate of 0.025% of the transaction value of the securities if the transaction is a non-delivery based transaction, which means that the transaction is settled without taking actual delivery or transfer of the shares.

For the purpose of computing capital gains tax on the sale of the equity shares the cost of acquisition of equity shares received in exchange for ADSs will be determined on the basis of the prevailing price of the equity shares on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited or the National Stock Exchange of India Limited as of the date on which the depositary gives notice to its custodian for the delivery of such equity shares upon redemption of the ADSs. A non-resident holder’s holding period (for the purpose of determining the applicable Indian capital gains tax rate) in respect of equity shares received in exchange for ADSs commences on the date of the advice of withdrawal of such equity shares by the relevant Depositary to its custodian.

The provisions of the Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation entered into by the Government of India with the country of residence of the non-resident investor will be applicable to the extent they are more beneficial to the non-resident investor.

Tax Deduction at Source

Tax on long-term and short-term capital gains, if payable as discussed above, either upon conversion of ADSs into equity shares or upon a sale of equity shares (as the case may be), is to be deducted at source by the person responsible for paying the non-resident, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Indian Income Tax Act, and the non-resident will be entitled to a certificate evidencing such tax deduction in accordance with the provisions of Section 203 of the Indian Income Tax Act.

Capital Losses

Neither Section 115AC nor the Depositary Receipt Scheme deals with capital losses arising on a transfer of equity shares in India. In general terms, losses arising from a transfer of a capital asset in India can only be set off against capital gains on transfer of another capital asset. Furthermore, a long-term capital loss can be set off only against a long-term capital gain. To the extent that losses are not absorbed in the year of transfer, they may be carried forward for a period of eight assessment years immediately succeeding the assessment year for which the loss was first determined by the assessing authority and may be set off against the capital gains assessable for such subsequent assessment years. In order to set off capital losses as above, the non-resident investor would be required to file appropriate and timely tax returns in India and undergo the customary assessment procedures. However, long-term capital loss on sale of equity shares being chargeable to STT will not be allowed to be set-off or carried forward for set-off against any capital gains.

Stamp Duty

There is no stamp duty on the sale or transfer of ADSs outside India.

Generally, the transfer of ordinary shares in physical form would be subject to Indian stamp duty at the rate of 0.25% of the market value of the ordinary shares on the trade date, and such stamp duty customarily is borne by the transferee, i.e., the purchaser. In order to register a transfer of equity shares in physical form, it is necessary to present a stamped deed of transfer. An acquisition of shares in physical form from the Depository in exchange for ADSs representing such equity shares will not render an investor liable for Indian stamp duty but we will be required to pay stamp duty at the applicable rate on the share certificate. However, since our equity shares are compulsorily deliverable in dematerialized form (except for trades of up to 500 equity shares, which may be delivered in physical form) there would be no stamp duty payable in India on transfer.

Other Taxes

At present, there is no wealth tax, gift tax or inheritance tax which may apply to the ADSs or the underlying shares.

Service Tax

Brokerage or commissions paid to stockbrokers in connection with the sale or purchase of shares listed on a recognized stock exchange in India are subject to a service tax of 12% (excluding an add-on tax at the rate of 3.0%) ad valorem. The stockbroker is responsible for collecting the service tax and paying it to the relevant authority.

Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following summary describes the material United States federal income tax consequences relating to an investment in our equity shares or ADSs as of the date hereof. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, existing final, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations, rulings and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect and all of which are subject to prospective and retroactive rulings and changes. We will not seek a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with regard to the United States federal income tax treatment relating to investment in our equity shares or ADSs and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with the conclusions set forth below.

 

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This summary does not purport to address all United States federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular investor and you are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation. The summary applies only to holders who hold equity shares or ADSs as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the Code, and does not address the tax consequences that may be relevant to investors in special tax situations, including for example:

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

   

broker-dealers;

 

   

traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market;

 

   

banks or other financial institutions;

 

   

United States investors whose functional currency is not the United States dollar;

 

   

United States expatriates;

 

   

investors that hold our equity shares or ADSs as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction;

 

   

holders that purchase or otherwise acquire equity shares or ADSs other than through this offering; or

 

   

holders that own, directly, indirectly or constructively 10.0% or more of our total combined voting stock.

Further, this summary does not address the alternative minimum tax consequences of an investment in equity shares or ADSs, or the indirect consequences to holders of equity interests in entities that own our equity shares or ADSs. In addition, this summary does not address the state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in our equity shares or ADSs.

You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state, local and foreign and other tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of our equity shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.

Taxation of U.S. Holders

You are a “U.S. Holder” if you are a beneficial owner of equity shares or ADSs and you are for United States federal income tax purposes:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation, or any other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, including the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or if the trust has made a valid election to be treated as a United States person.

A “Non-U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of equity shares or ADSs that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes.

If a partnership holds equity shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships holding our equity shares or ADSs should consult their own tax advisors.

For United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder of an ADS will generally be treated as the owner of the equity shares represented by the ADS. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized upon the exchange of an ADS for equity shares. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the equity shares will be the same as the tax basis in the ADS surrendered therefor, and the holding period in the equity shares will include the period during which the holder held the surrendered ADS. However, the United States Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom depositary shares are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits by the holders of ADSs. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Indian taxes paid with respect to the ADSs could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the United States Treasury.

 

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Distributions on Equity Shares or ADSs

Cash distributions made by us to a U.S. Holder with respect to equity shares or ADSs (including amounts withheld in respect of any Indian withholding taxes) generally will be taxable to such U.S. Holder as ordinary dividend income when such U.S. Holder receives the distribution, actually or constructively, to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes). If these dividends constitute qualified dividend income (“QDI”), individual U.S. Holders of our equity shares or ADSs will generally pay tax on such dividends at a reduced rate, provided certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied. Assuming we are not a passive foreign investment company (as discussed below), or foreign investment company, dividends paid by us will be QDI if we are a qualified foreign corporation (“QFC”) at the time the dividends are paid. We believe that we are currently, and will continue to be, a QFC so as to allow all dividends paid by us to be QDI for United States federal income tax purposes. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital reducing such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the equity shares or ADSs. Any distribution in excess of such tax basis will be treated as capital gain and will be either long-term or short-term capital gain depending upon whether the U.S. Holder held the equity shares or ADSs for more than one year. Dividends paid by us generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction available to certain United States corporate shareholders.

Cash distributions paid on the equity shares or ADSs will generally be treated as foreign source income. Subject to certain limitations, a U.S. Holder may be entitled to a credit or deduction against its U.S. federal income taxes for the amount of any Indian taxes that are withheld from cash distributions made to such U.S. Holder. The decision to claim either a credit or deduction must be made annually, and will apply to all foreign taxes paid by the U.S. Holder to any foreign country or U.S. possession with respect to the applicable tax year. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. Income received with respect to the equity shares or ADSs will generally be treated as “passive category income” for United States foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The rules regarding the availability of foreign tax credits are complex and U.S. Holders may be subject to various limitations on the amount of foreign tax credits that are available. We therefore urge you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.

The amount of any cash distribution paid in Indian rupees will equal the U.S. dollar value of the distribution, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect at the time the distribution is received by the depositary (in the case of ADSs) or by the U.S. Holder (in the case of equity shares held directly by such U.S. Holder), regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted to U.S. dollars at that time. Generally, a U.S. Holder should not recognize any foreign currency gain or loss if such Indian rupees are converted into U.S. dollars on the date received and it is expected that the depositary will in the ordinary course convert foreign currency received by it as distributions into U.S. dollars. If the Indian rupees are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, however, gain or loss may be recognized upon a subsequent sale or other disposition of the Indian rupees. Such foreign currency gain or loss, if any, will be United States source ordinary income or loss.

Sale or Exchange of Equity Shares or ADSs

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of the equity shares or ADSs measured by the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount received and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis (determined in taxable U.S. dollars) in the equity shares or ADSs. Any gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the equity shares or ADSs in the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss. Your ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations. Under certain circumstances described under “Indian Tax—Taxation of Capital Gains in Relation to ADSs” and “Indian Tax—Taxation of Capital Gains in Relation to Equity Shares Received upon Conversion or in Exchange for ADSs”, you may be subject to Indian tax upon the disposition of equity shares or ADSs. In such circumstances and subject to applicable limitations (and the relief provided by an applicable income tax treaty), you may be able to credit the Indian tax against your United States federal income tax liability. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.

For cash-basis U.S. Holders who receive foreign currency in connection with a sale or other taxable disposition of equity shares or ADSs, the amount realized will be based upon the United States dollar value of the foreign currency received with respect to such equity shares or ADSs as determined on the settlement date of such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition.

Pursuant to the Treasury Regulations applicable to foreign currency transactions, accrual-basis U.S. Holders may elect the same treatment required of cash-basis taxpayers with respect to a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of equity shares or ADSs, provided that the election is applied consistently from year to year. Such election cannot be changed without the consent of the IRS. Accrual-basis U.S. Holders that do not elect to be treated as cash-basis taxpayers for this purpose may have a foreign currency gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes because of differences between the United States dollar value of the foreign currency received prevailing on the date of such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the value prevailing on the date of payment. Any such foreign currency gain or loss will generally be treated as ordinary income or loss that is United States source, in addition to the gain or loss, if any, recognized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of equity shares or ADSs.

 

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Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

U.S. Holders generally will be subject to a special, adverse tax regime that would differ in certain respects from the tax treatment described above if we are, or were to become, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for United States federal income tax purposes. Although the determination of whether a corporation is a PFIC is made annually and thus may be subject to change, we do not believe that we are, nor do we expect to become, a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes. However, the matter is not free from doubt. We urge you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the adverse tax consequences of owning the equity shares or ADSs of a PFIC and making certain elections designed to lessen those adverse consequences.

Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets

Under recently enacted legislation, individuals, who are U.S. Holders that own “specified foreign financial assets”, including stock of a non-U.S. corporation owned directly, with an aggregate value in excess of certain dollar thresholds may be required to file an information report with respect to such assets on IRS Form 8938 with their U.S. Federal income tax returns. Penalties apply for failure to properly complete and file IRS Form 8938. U.S. Holders that are individuals are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this legislation to their ownership of our equity shares or ADSs.

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders

Distributions on Equity Shares or ADSs

Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax on dividends received from us with respect to equity shares or ADSs, unless such income is considered effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the income is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained in the United States).

Sale or Exchange of Equity Shares or ADSs

Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of equity shares or ADSs unless:

 

   

such gain is considered effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a United States trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the income is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained in the United States); or

 

   

such Non-U.S. Holder is an individual that is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met.

In addition, if you are a corporate Non-U.S. Holder, any effectively connected dividend income or gain (subject to certain adjustments) may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30.0% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty).

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

In general, dividends on equity shares or ADSs, and payments of the proceeds of a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of equity shares or ADSs, paid to a U.S. Holder within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding at a rate currently equal to 28.0% unless the U.S. Holder:

 

   

is a corporation or other exempt recipient; or

 

   

provides an accurate taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding applies to such U.S. Holder.

Non-U.S. Holders generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, such holders may be required to provide a certification to establish their non-U.S. status in connection with payments received within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries.

Holders generally will be allowed a credit of the amount of any backup withholding against their United States federal income tax liability or may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules that exceed such income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.

 

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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

The main legislation governing commercial banks in India is the Banking Regulation Act 1949 (the “Banking Regulation Act”). The provisions of the Banking Regulation Act are in addition to and not, save as expressly provided in the Banking Regulation Act, in derogation of the Companies Act, 1956 and any other law currently in force. Other important laws include the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act 2002 (the “SARFAESI Act”) and the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891. Additionally, the RBI, from time to time, issues guidelines to be followed by banks. Compliance with all regulatory requirements is evaluated with respect to our financial statements under Indian GAAP.

RBI Regulations

Commercial banks in India are required under the Banking Regulation Act to obtain a license from the RBI to carry on banking business in India. Before granting the license, the RBI must be satisfied that certain conditions are complied with, including i) that the bank has the ability to pay its present and future depositors in full as their claims accrue; ii) that the affairs of the bank will not be or are not likely to be conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of present or future depositors; iii) that the bank has adequate capital and earnings prospects; and iv) that public interest will be served if a license is granted to the bank. The RBI can cancel the license if the bank fails to meet the above conditions or if the bank ceases to carry on banking operations in India.

Being licensed by the RBI, we are regulated and supervised by the RBI. It requires us to furnish statements, information and certain details relating to our business. The RBI has issued guidelines for commercial banks on recognition of income, classification of assets, valuation of investments, maintenance of capital adequacy and provisioning for non-performing and restructured assets among others. The RBI has set up a Board for Financial Supervision, under the chairmanship of its Governor with the primary objective of undertaking consolidated supervision of the financial sector comprised of commercial banks, financial institutions and non-banking finance companies. This Board is assisted by the Department of Banking Supervision, Department of Non-Banking Supervision and Financial Institutions Division of the RBI in supervising commercial banks, non-banking finance companies and financial institutions respectively. The appointment of the auditors of banks is subject to the approval of the RBI. The RBI can direct a special audit in the interest of the depositors or in the public interest.

Proposal for entry of new banks in the private sector

In February 2013, the RBI released guidelines for licensing of new banks in the private sector. The key items covered under these guidelines are as follows: i) promoters eligible to apply for banking licenses; ii) corporate structure; iii) minimum capital requirements for new banks; iv) foreign shareholding cap; v) corporate governance; and vi) business plan. The RBI has permitted private sector entities owned and controlled by Indian residents and entities in the public sector in India to apply to the RBI for a license to operate a bank through a wholly owned non-operative financial holding company route, subject to compliance with certain specified criteria. Such a non-operative financial holding company is permitted to be the holding company of the bank as well as any other financial services entity, with the objective that the holding company ring fences the regulated financial services entities in the group, including the bank from other activities of the group. The RBI specified July 1, 2013 as the deadline for submission of applications for setting up new banks in the private sector, subsequent to which the RBI shall review the applications and provide an in-principle approval. The validity of an in-principle approval issued by RBI will be 18 months from the date of its issue, after which it will lapse automatically. The new bank will have to be set-up within an 18 month period.

Financial Holding Company Structure in India

The RBI constituted a Working Group in June 2010 to examine the feasibility of introducing a Financial Holding Company (FHC) Structure in India under the chairpersonship of the Deputy Governor. In May 2011, the Working Group submitted its report to recommend a roadmap for the introduction of a holding company structure in the Indian financial sector together with the required regulatory, supervisory and legislative framework. The report aims to serve as a guiding document for the introduction of an alternate organizational structure for banks and financial conglomerates in India. Key recommendations of the Working Group are as follows: i) FHC structure; ii) regulatory framework; iii) statutory and taxation related changes; iv) caps on expansion in non-banking business; v) capital raising; and vi) transitioning to the FHC structure. Guidelines will be issued after RBI has received feedback, comments and suggestions on the report of the Working Group. The RBI’s guidelines for licensing of new banks in the private sector, make it mandatory for applicants to adopt the wholly owned non-operative financial holding company structure.

Regulations Relating to the Opening of Branches

Section 23 of the Banking Regulation Act provides that banks must obtain the prior approval of the RBI to open new branches. Permission is granted based on factors such as the financial condition and history of the bank, its management, adequacy of capital structure and earning prospects and the public interest. The RBI may cancel a license for violations of the conditions under which it was granted.

 

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The RBI has issued instructions and guidelines to banks on branch authorization. The RBI authorizes the opening of individual branches by a system of aggregated approvals on an annual basis. The RBI discusses with individual banks their branch expansion strategies and plans over the medium term. The term “branch” for this purpose has been defined to also include extension counters, offsite ATMs, administrative offices, credit card centers, controlling offices and back offices. The RBI also permits scheduled commercial banks to install off-site ATMs at centers/places identified by them, without having the need to get permission from the RBI in each case. This, however, is subject to any direction which the RBI may issue, including for closure/shifting of any such off-site ATMs, wherever the RBI considers it necessary. Banks need to report full details of the off-site ATMs installed by them in terms of the above general permission.

The RBI has given general permission to scheduled commercial banks (other than regional rural banks) to open branches in locations having a population of less than 100,000 and, in rural, semi-urban and urban centers in the north-eastern states of India, including the state of Sikkim. The RBI has also given general permission to scheduled commercial banks (other than regional rural banks) to open mobile branches in locations having a population of less than 50,000 and in rural, semi-urban and urban centers in the north eastern states of India, including the state of Sikkim. Banks are required to report complete details of the branches opened pursuant to such general permission. However, banks are required to obtain the prior permission of the RBI to open branches, administrative offices, central processing centers or service branches in locations with population in excess of 100,000, except in the north-eastern states of India, including the state of Sikkim, where the general permission also extends to semi-urban and urban centers. During the preparation of their annual branch expansion plan, banks are required to allocate at least 25.0% of the total number of branches proposed to be opened during a year in unbanked rural centers. An unbanked rural center is a rural center that does not have a brick and mortar structure of any scheduled commercial bank for customer based banking transactions.

While processing authorization requests, the RBI gives importance to the nature and scope of banking services, particularly in under-banked areas, actual credit flow to priority sectors, pricing of products, overall efforts to promote financial inclusion, the need to induce enhanced competition in the banking sector at various locations, the bank’s regulatory compliance, quality of corporate governance, risk management and relationships with subsidiaries and affiliates. The number of branches authorized by the RBI based on requests for opening branches in locations having a population in excess of 100,000 also depends on the critical assessment of the bank’s performance across various parameters including financial inclusion, priority sector lending and customer service.

Capital Adequacy Requirements

The RBI has issued guidelines for the implementation of the New Capital Adequacy Framework (Basel II). In order to maintain consistency and harmony with international standards, foreign banks in India and Indian banks having operational presence outside India were advised to adopt the Standardized Approach for Credit Risk and Basic Indicator Approach for Operational Risk with effect from March 31, 2008, while other commercial banks were advised to adopt these approaches with effect from March 31, 2009.

Under these guidelines, we are required to maintain a minimum ratio of capital to risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items of 9%, at least 6% of which must be Tier I capital. Until March 31, 2013, we were also required to ensure that our Basel II minimum capital requirement continued to be higher than the prudential floor of 80% of the minimum capital requirement computed as per the Basel I framework for credit and market risks. In May 2013, the RBI withdrew the requirement of parallel run and prudential floor for implementation of Basel II vis-à-vis Basel I.

The capital funds of a bank are classified into Tier I and Tier II capital. Tier I capital provides the most permanent and readily available support against unexpected losses. It is comprised of paid-up capital and reserves consisting of any statutory reserves, free reserves and capital reserves, innovative perpetual debt instruments eligible for inclusion as Tier I capital (not exceeding 15.0% of Tier I capital), perpetual non-cumulative preference shares (together with innovative Tier I instruments not exceeding 40.0% of Tier I capital) as reduced by equity investments in financial subsidiaries, intangible assets, deferred tax assets, gaps in provisioning and losses in the current period and those brought forward from the previous period (subject to the provisions of the RBI master circular on Prudential Guidelines on Capital Adequacy and Market Discipline- New Capital Adequacy Framework). The RBI has permitted banks to issue perpetual debt with a call option after not less than ten years, to be exercised with its prior approval for inclusion in Tier I capital up to a maximum of 15.0% of total Tier I capital as on March 31 of the previous financial year. The RBI has also permitted banks to augment their capital funds through the issuance of Tier I debt instruments denominated in foreign currencies without its prior approval, subject to compliance with certain requirements.

Tier II capital consists of revaluation reserves (at a discount of 55.0%), general provisions and loss reserves (allowed up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk weighted assets), hybrid debt capital instruments (which combine features of both equity and debt securities) such as cumulative perpetual preference shares (which should be fully paid up and should not contain clauses that permit redemption by the holder), subordinated debt with an initial maturity of not less than five years and innovative perpetual debt instruments (in excess of 15.0% of Tier I capital). Any subordinated debt is subject to progressive discounts each year for inclusion in Tier II capital and total subordinated debt considered as Tier II capital cannot exceed 50% of Tier I capital. Banks are also permitted to issue debt instruments with a minimum maturity of 15 years and a call option after not less than 10 years, to be exercised with the prior approval of the RBI, for inclusion in Tier II capital as upper Tier II debt. Tier II debt instruments may be denominated in foreign currencies subject to limits prescribed by the RBI. Innovative perpetual debt instruments in excess of 15% of Tier I capital and perpetual non-cumulative preference shares in excess of the overall cap of 40% of Tier I capital can be included in Tier II capital subject to the limits prescribed for Tier II capital.

 

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Risk adjusted assets considered for determining the capital adequacy ratios are the aggregation of risk weighted assets of credit risk, market risk and operational risk.

In respect of credit risk, the risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items considered for determining the capital adequacy ratio are the risk weighted total of certain funded and non-funded exposures. Degrees of credit risk expressed as percentage weighting have been assigned to various balance sheet asset items and conversion factors to off-balance sheet items. The value of each item is multiplied by the relevant weight and/or conversion factor to arrive at risk-adjusted values of assets and off-balance sheet items. Standby letters of credit and general guarantees are treated similar to funded exposures and are subject to a 100.0% credit conversion factor. The credit conversion factor for certain off-balance sheet items such as performance bonds, bid bonds and standby letters of credit related to particular transactions is 50.0% while that for short-term self-liquidating trade related contingencies such as documentary credits collateralized by the underlying shipments is 20.0%. The credit conversion factor for other commitments like formal standby facilities and credit lines is either 20.0% or 50.0%, based on the original maturity of the facility. Differential risk weights for credit exposures linked to their external credit rating or asset class have been prescribed.

For fiscal 2013, the risk weight for residential mortgage loans of less than Rs. 3 million with loan-to-value ratios of up to 75.0% is 50.0% and for loans with values of more than Rs. 3 million but less than Rs. 7.5 million with loan-to-value ratios of up to 75.0% is 75.0%. For mortgage loans below Rs. 7.5 million with loan-to-values greater than 75.0% the risk weight is 100.0%. The risk weight of residential mortgage loans of Rs.7.5 million and above, irrespective of the loan to value ratio, is 125.0%. The RBI, with effect from June 2013, prescribed a risk weight of 50.0% for residential mortgage loans of less than Rs. 2 million with loan-to-value ratios of up to 90.0% and for loans with values of more than Rs. 2 million but less than Rs. 7.5 million with loan-to-value ratios of up to 80.0% and a risk weight of 75.0% for mortgage loans above Rs. 7.5 million with loan-to-value ratios of up to 75.0%. Consumer credit and advances that are included in our capital market exposure carry a risk weight of 125.0% or higher corresponding to the rating of the exposure. Exposure to venture capital funds are risk weighted at 150.0%. Other loans/credit exposures are risk weighted based on their ratings or turnover. The RBI has also prescribed detailed guidelines for the capital treatment of securitization exposures.

A capital charge for operational risk equal to the average of 15.0% of a bank’s annual gross income (excluding extraordinary income) for the previous three years, where positive, has been prescribed.

Banks are required to maintain a capital charge for market risks on their trading books in respect of securities included under the held-for-trading and available-for-sale categories, open positions in bullion, open foreign exchange position limits, trading positions in derivatives and derivatives entered into for hedging trading book exposures.

Banks may migrate to the advanced approaches for capital computation under Basel II in respect of credit risk, market risk and operational risk subject to obtaining the RBI’s prior approval.

Guidelines on implementation of Basel III Capital Regulations in India

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a comprehensive reform package entitled “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems” in December 2010. In May 2012, the RBI released guidelines on implementation of Basel III capital regulations in India. The key items covered under these guidelines include: i) improving the quality, consistency and transparency of the capital base; ii) enhancing risk coverage; iii) graded enhancement of the total capital requirement; iv) introduction of capital conservation buffer and countercyclical buffer; and v) supplementing the risk-based capital requirement with a leverage ratio. One of the major changes proposed by the Basel III capital regulations is that the Tier I capital will predominantly consist of common equity of the banks which includes common shares, reserves and stock surplus. Innovative instruments and perpetual non-cumulative preference share will not be considered a part of Common Equity Tier I capital. Basel III also defines criteria for instruments to be included in Tier II capital to improve their loss absorbency. The guidelines also set-out criteria for loss absorption through conversion/write-off of all non-common equity regulatory capital instruments at the point of non-viability. The point of non-viability is defined as a trigger event upon the occurrence of which non-common equity Tier I and Tier II instruments issued by banks in India may be required to be, at the option of the RBI, written off or converted into common equity. These guidelines require a bank to maintain a minimum common equity Tier I capital of 5.5%, a minimum Tier I capital ratio of 7.0% and a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of its risk weighted assets with the minimum overall capital adequacy ratio of 9.0% of its risk weighted assets. The transitional arrangements for the implementation of Basel III capital regulations in India begin from April 1, 2013 and the guidelines will be fully phased-in and implemented as of March 31, 2018.

Loan Loss Provisions and Non-Performing Assets

In April 1992, the RBI issued formal guidelines on income recognition, asset classification, provisioning standards and the valuation of investments applicable to banks, which are revised from time to time. These guidelines are applied for the calculation of impaired assets under Indian GAAP. For our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP, loan loss provision is made in accordance with ASC 310 and as described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” and under note 2i, “Allowance for credit losses”, to our consolidated financial statements. The principal features of the RBI guidelines are set forth below.

 

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Non-Performing Assets

An asset, including a leased asset, becomes non-performing once it ceases to generate income for the bank.

The RBI guidelines stipulate the criteria for determining and classifying a non-performing asset (“NPA”). An NPA is a loan or an advance where:

 

   

interest and/or an installment of principal remains overdue (as defined below) for a period of more than 90 days in respect of a term loan;

 

   

the account remains “out-of-order” (as defined below) in respect of an overdraft or cash credit for more than 90 days;

 

   

the bill remains overdue for a period of more than 90 days in the case of bills purchased and discounted;

 

   

in the case of a loan granted for short duration crops, the installments of principal or interest thereon remain overdue for two crop seasons;

 

   

in the case of a loan granted for long duration crops, the installments of principal or interest thereon remain overdue for one crop season;

 

   

the amount of a liquidity facility remains outstanding for more than 90 days, in respect of securitization transactions undertaken in accordance with the RBI guidelines on securitization; or

 

   

in respect of derivative transactions, the overdue receivables representing the positive mark-to-market value of a derivative contract, remain unpaid for a period of 90 days from the specified due date for payment.

Banks should classify an account as an NPA only if the interest imposed during any quarter is not fully repaid within ninety days from the end of the relevant quarter.

“Overdue”

Any amount due to the bank under any credit facility is “overdue” if it is not paid on the due date fixed by the bank.

“Out-of-Order” Status

An account should be treated as “out-of-order” if the outstanding balance remains continuously in excess of the sanctioned limit/drawing power. In circumstances where the outstanding balance in the principal operating account is less than the sanctioned limit/drawing power, but (i) there are no credits continuously for a period of 90 days as on the date of the balance sheet of the bank or (ii) the credits are not sufficient to cover the interest debited during the same period, these accounts should be treated as “out-of-order”.

Asset Classification

Banks are required to classify NPAs into the following three categories:

Sub-standard Assets: Assets that are non-performing for a period not exceeding 12 months. In such cases, the current net worth of the borrower/guarantor or the current market value of the security charged is not enough to ensure recovery of dues to the banks in full. Such an asset has well defined credit weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt and is characterized by the distinct possibility that the bank will sustain some loss, if deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful Assets: An asset will be classified as doubtful if it remains in the substandard category continuously for 12 months. A loan classified as doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in assets that are classified as sub-standard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss Assets: Assets on which losses have been identified by the bank or internal or external auditors or on inspection by the RBI, but the amount has not been written off fully. Such an asset is considered uncollectable and of such little value that its continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted, although there may be some salvage or recovery value.

There are separate asset classification guidelines which will apply to projects under implementation before the commencement of their commercial operation.

Restructured Assets

The RBI has issued prudential guidelines on the restructuring of advances by banks. The guidelines essentially deal with the norms/conditions the fulfillment of which is required to maintain the category of the restructured account as a “standard asset”. A standard asset can be restructured by rescheduling principal repayments and/or the interest element, subject to compliance with certain conditions, but must be separately disclosed as a restructured asset.

 

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The following categories of advances are not eligible for being classified as a standard asset upon restructuring: a) consumer and personal advances; b) advances classified as capital market exposures; and c) advances classified as commercial real estate exposures.

The criteria to be fulfilled for the restructured advance to be treated as a “standard asset” includes the viability of the business, infusion of promoters’ contribution, full security coverage and cap on maximum tenor of repayment. The economic loss, if any, arising as a result of a restructuring needs to be provided for in the books of the bank. The provision is computed as the difference between the fair value of the account before and after restructuring.

Similar guidelines apply to sub-standard assets. Sub-standard accounts which have been subjected to restructuring, whether in respect of a principal installment or interest amount, are eligible to be upgraded to the standard category only after the specified period, i.e. a period of one year after the date when the first payment of interest or of principal, whichever is earlier, falls due, subject to satisfactory performance during the period.

In May 2013, the RBI issued additional guidelines in relation to restructured assets wherein such regulatory forbearance regarding asset classification on restructured accounts will be withdrawn for all restructurings with effect from April 1, 2015. This implies that a standard account would immediately be classified as a sub-standard account upon restructuring. These guidelines are also applicable to non-performing assets, which upon restructuring would continue to have the same asset classification as prior to the restructuring and may be classified into lower categories in accordance with applicable asset classification norms based on the pre-restructuring repayment schedule. However the standard asset classification may be retained, subject to specified conditions, in respect of certain loans granted for infrastructure projects given the importance of the infrastructure sector in national growth and development and the uncertainty involved in obtaining approvals from various authorities.

Corporate Debt Restructuring Mechanism

The RBI has devised a corporate debt restructuring system to put in place an institutional mechanism for the restructuring of corporate debt. The objective of this framework is to ensure a timely and transparent mechanism for the restructuring of corporate debts of viable entities facing problems, outside the purview of the Board of Industrial and Financial Rehabilitation, debt recovery tribunals and other legal proceedings. In particular, this framework aims to preserve viable companies that are affected by certain internal and external factors and minimize the losses to the creditors and other stakeholders through an orderly and coordinated restructuring program. The corporate debt restructuring system is a non-statutory mechanism and a voluntary system based on debtor-creditor and inter-creditor agreements.

Act Relating to Recovery of NPAs

As a part of the financial sector reforms, the Government introduced the SARFAESI Act. The SARFAESI Act provides banks and other lenders increased powers in the recovery of the collateral underlying NPAs.

Provisioning and Write-Offs

Provisions are based on guidelines specific to the classification of assets. The following guidelines apply to various asset classifications:

Standard Assets

Banks are required to make general provisions for standard assets for the funded outstanding on a global portfolio basis. The provisioning requirement for housing loans at teaser rates is 2.00% and will reduce to 0.40% after one year from the date on which the teaser rates are reset at higher rates if the accounts remain standard. In November 2012, the RBI increased the provisioning requirement for restructured standard assets from 2.0% to 2.75%. In May 2013, the RBI increased the provisioning requirement for all types of accounts restructured to 5.0% with effect from June 1, 2013. For the stock of restructured standard accounts as of May 31, 2013, this increase is required to be implemented in a phased manner by March 31, 2016. The provisioning requirements for other loans range from 0.25% to 1.00% on the outstanding loans based on the type of exposure. Derivative exposures, such as credit exposures computed as per the current marked to market value of the contract arising on account of the interest rate and foreign exchange derivative transactions and gold are subject to the same provisioning requirement applicable to the loan assets in the standard category, of the concerned counterparties. All conditions applicable for the treatment of the provisions for standard assets would also apply to the aforesaid provisions for derivatives and gold exposures.

Sub-Standard Assets

A general provision of 15.0% on total outstanding loans is required without making any allowance for the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (“ECGC”) guarantee cover and securities available. The unsecured exposures which are identified as sub-standard are subject to an additional provision of 10.0% (i.e. a total of 25.0% on the outstanding balance). However, unsecured loans classified as sub-standard, where certain safeguards such as escrow accounts are available, attract an additional provision of only 5.0% (i.e. a total of 20.0% on the outstanding balance).

 

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Unsecured exposure is defined as an exposure where the realizable value of security, as assessed by the bank, approved valuers or the RBI’s inspecting officers, is not more than 10.0%, ab-initio, of the outstanding exposure. Exposure includes all funded and non-funded exposures (including underwriting and similar commitments). Security means tangible security properly discharged to the bank and will not include intangible securities such as guarantees and comfort letters.

Doubtful Assets

A 100.0% provision is made against the unsecured portion of the doubtful asset. The value assigned to the collateral securing a loan is the realizable value determined by third party appraisers. In cases where there is a secured portion of the asset, depending upon the period for which the asset remains doubtful, a 25.0% to 100.0% provision is required to be made against the secured asset as follows:

 

   

Up to one year: 25.0% provision.

 

   

One to three years: 40.0% provision.

 

   

More than three years: 100.0% provision.

Loss Assets

The entire asset is required to be written off or 100.0% of the outstanding amount is required to be provided for.

Floating Provisions

In June 2006, the RBI issued prudential standards on the creation and utilization of floating provisions (provisions which are not made in respect of specific non-performing assets or are made in excess of regulatory requirements for provisions for standard assets). The standards state that floating provisions can be utilized only for contingencies under extraordinary circumstances for making specific provisions in impaired accounts after obtaining approval from the bank’s board of directors and with the prior permission of the RBI. Floating provisions must be held separately and cannot be reversed by credit to the profit and loss account. Until the utilization of such provisions, they can be netted off from gross non-performing assets to arrive at disclosure of net non-performing assets, or alternatively, can be treated as part of Tier II capital within the overall ceiling of 1.25% of total risk-weighted assets. We have elected to treat floating provisions as part of Tier II capital. Further, floating provisions would not include specific voluntary provisions made by banks for non-performing advances at rates which are higher than the stipulated rates and consistently adopted from year to year.

Prudential Coverage Ratio

With a view to ensuring counter-cyclical provisioning in the banking system, the RBI had mandated that banks should augment their provisioning cushions consisting of specific provisions against NPAs as well as floating provisions (to the extent not used at Tier II capital), and ensure that their total Provisioning Coverage Ratio (“PCR”), including the above floating provisions, is not less than 70.0% as of September 30, 2010. Subsequently, the RBI advised banks that i) the PCR of 70.0% may be computed with reference to the gross NPA position in the relevant banks as of September 30, 2010; ii) the surplus of the provision under PCR over the amount required by the guidelines, would be treated as ‘countercyclical provisioning buffer’; and iii) banks may use this countercyclical provisioning buffer to make specific provisions for NPAs during periods of system wide downturn, with the prior approval of the RBI. These guidelines shall be applicable until the RBI introduces a more comprehensive methodology of countercyclical provisioning taking into account the international standards being developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.

Regulations Relating to Sale of Assets to Asset Reconstruction Companies

The SARFAESI Act provides for the sale of financial assets by banks and financial institutions to asset reconstruction companies. The RBI has issued guidelines to banks on the process to be followed for the sale of financial assets to asset reconstruction companies. These guidelines provide that a bank may sell financial assets to an asset reconstruction company provided the asset is an NPA. A bank could also sell a standard asset only if (i) the borrower has a consortium or multiple banking arrangement; (ii) at least 75.0% by value of the total loans to the borrower are classified as non-performing in the books of other banks and financial institutions; and (iii) at least 75.0% by value of the banks and financial institutions in the consortium or multiple banking arrangements agree to the sale. The banks selling financial assets must ensure that there is no known liability devolving on them and that they do not assume any operational, legal or any other type of risks relating to the financial assets sold. Further, banks cannot sell financial assets at a contingent price with an agreement to bear a part of the shortfall on ultimate realization. However, banks may sell specific financial assets with an agreement to share any surplus realized by the asset reconstruction company in the future. While each bank is required to make its own assessment of the value offered in the sale before accepting or rejecting an offer for purchase of financial assets by an asset reconstruction company, in consortium or multiple banking arrangements where more than 75.0%, by value of the banks or financial institutions, accept the offer, the remaining banks or financial institutions are obliged to accept the offer. Consideration for the sale may be in the form of cash or bonds/debentures issued by the asset reconstruction company or trusts set up by it to acquire financial assets. Banks can also invest in security receipts or pass-through certificates issued by the asset reconstruction company or trusts set up by it to acquire the financial assets.

 

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Guidelines on Sale and Purchase of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) among Banks, Financial Institutions and Non-banking Financial Institutions.

In order to increase the options available to banks for resolving their NPAs and to develop a healthy secondary market for NPAs, in July 2005, the RBI issued guidelines for the purchase/sale of NPAs among banks, financial institutions and non-banking finance companies. In terms of these guidelines, banks’ boards are required to lay down policies covering, among others, a valuation procedure to be followed to ensure that the economic value of financial assets is reasonably estimated based on the assessed cash flows arising out of repayment and recovery prospects. Purchases and sales of NPAs must be without recourse to the seller, on a cash basis, with the entire consideration being paid up-front, and after the sale there should not be any known liability devolving on the seller. An asset must have been classified as non-performing for at least two years by the seller to be eligible for sale. The purchasing bank must hold the NPA on its books for at least 15 months before it can sell the asset to another bank. The asset cannot be sold back to the original seller.

Guidelines on Sale of Standard Assets

The RBI first issued guidelines for the securitization of standard assets in February 2006. The guidelines provide that for a transaction to be treated as a securitization, a two-stage process must be followed. In the first stage there must be a sale of a single asset or pooling and transferring of assets to a bankruptcy remote special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) in return for immediate cash payment and in the second stage repackaging and selling the security interests representing claims on incoming cash flows from the asset or pool of assets to third party investors should be effected. Further, for enabling the transferred assets to be removed from the balance sheet of the seller in a securitization structure, the isolation of assets or ‘true sale’ from the seller or originator to the SPV is an essential prerequisite. Also, an arms-length relationship must be maintained between the originator, the seller and the SPV.

Certain regulatory standards for capital adequacy, valuation, profit and loss on sale of assets, income recognition and provisioning, accounting treatment for securitization transactions and disclosure standards have been prescribed. The guidelines are applicable for originators and have prescribed provisions for service providers like: credit enhancers, liquidity support providers and underwriters and investors. Quarterly reporting to the audit sub-committee of the board of directors by originating banks of the securitization transactions has also been prescribed. Apart from banks, these guidelines are also applicable to financial institutions and non-banking financial companies.

In May 2012, the RBI revised the guidelines on transfer of assets through securitization and direct assignment of cash flows. These guidelines govern the securitization of debt obligations of a homogenous pool of obligors as well as the direct sale or transfer of a single standard asset. The roles of both the selling and purchasing banks have been defined more clearly. All on-balance sheet standard assets (except those expressly disallowed in the guidelines) are eligible for securitization subject to being held by the originating bank for a minimum holding period. The guidelines also prescribe a minimum retention requirement, i.e. the minimum part of the securitized debts that the originator is required to retain during the term of securitization. Overseas branches of Indian banks cannot undertake securitization in other jurisdictions unless there is a minimum retention requirement in that jurisdiction. These requirements have been laid down to ensure that the originator exercises due diligence with regard to the securitized assets. The guidelines also lay down the upper limit on the total retained exposure of the originator, the disclosures to be made by the originators, applicability of capital adequacy, asset classification and provisioning norms to these transactions etc. The norms also stipulate stress testing and extensive monitoring requirements on the purchased portfolios. Transactions which do not meet the requirements laid down by the guidelines will be assigned very high risk weights under capital adequacy norms.

Regulations Relating to Making Loans

The provisions of the Banking Regulation Act govern loans made by banks in India. The RBI issues directions covering the loan activities of banks. Major guidelines include norms for bank lending to priority sectors, non-bank financial companies, guidelines on banks’ benchmark lending rates, base rates and norms for loans against shares.

In terms of Section 20(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, a bank cannot grant any loans and advances against the security of its own shares. A banking company is prohibited from entering into any commitment for granting any loans or advances to or on behalf of any of its directors, or any firm in which any of its directors has an interest as a partner, manager, employee or guarantor or any other company (not being a subsidiary of the banking company or a company registered under section 25 of the Companies Act or a Government company), or the subsidiary or the holding company of such a company of which any of the directors of the bank is a director, managing agent, manager, employee or guarantor or in which he holds substantial interest, or any individual in respect of whom any of its directors is a partner or guarantor. There are certain exceptions in this regard which exclude any transaction which the RBI may specify by general or special order as not being a loan or advance for the purpose of such section. The Government may, on the recommendation of the RBI and subject to conditions as it may deem fit to impose, exempt any banking company from the restriction on lending to the subsidiary, holding company or any other company in which any of the directors of the banking company is a director, managing agent, manager, employee, guarantor or in which such person holds substantial interest.

 

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In the context of granting greater functional autonomy to banks, effective October 18, 1994, the RBI had decided to remove restrictions on the lending rates of scheduled commercial banks for credit limits of over Rs. 0.2 million. Banks were given the freedom to fix the lending rates for such credit limits subject to the Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (“BPLR”) and spread guidelines. The BPLR system, however, fell short of its original objective of bringing transparency to lending rates. This was mainly because under the BPLR system, banks could lend below BPLR. Banks consequently were advised by the RBI to switch over to the system of Base Rate with effect from July 1, 2010. The base rate system is aimed at enhancing transparency in lending rates of banks and enabling better assessment of transmission of the monetary policy. The Base Rate includes all elements of the lending rates that are common across all categories of borrowers. Banks may choose any benchmark to arrive at their Base Rate for a specific tenor that may be disclosed. For loans sanctioned up to June 30, 2010, the BPLR was applicable. However, for loans sanctioned up to June 30, 2010 but renewed from July 1, 2010, the Base Rate is applicable.

Directed Lending

Priority Sector Lending

The guidelines on lending to the priority sector are laid down in the RBI guidelines on Priority Sector Lending – Targets and Classification issued in July 2012. The priority sector is broadly comprised of agriculture, micro and small enterprises (“MSEs”), education and housing, subject to certain limits. The guidelines take into account the revised definition of MSEs as per the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.

The priority sector lending targets are linked to the adjusted net bank credit (“ANBC”) or the credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet exposures (“CEOBE”), whichever is higher, as on March 31 of the previous year.

Domestic banks are required to achieve total priority sector lending equivalent to 40.0% of their ANBC or CEOBE. Of the total priority sector advances, agricultural advances are required to be 18.0% of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher. Of this, indirect lending to the agriculture sector in excess of 4.5% of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher, will not be taken into consideration for computing performance under the 18.0% target. However, all agricultural advances under the categories ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ will be taken into consideration in computing performance under the overall priority sector target of 40.0%. Advances to weaker sections are required to be 10.0% of ANBC or CEOBE, whichever is higher. Loans up to Rs. 2.5 million per borrower under housing finance in locations with a population in excess of 1 million and up to Rs. 1.5 million per borrower under housing finance in other locations, excluding loans granted by banks to their own employees, are to be treated as part of priority sector lending. Loans to individual borrowers for educational purposes including vocational courses up to Rs. 1.0 million for studies in India and Rs. 2.0 million for studies abroad are also to be treated as part of priority sector lending. Investments by banks in securitized assets and outright purchases of loans will be eligible for classification under the priority sector only if certain criteria are fulfilled. In addition, fresh investments made by banks with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (“NABARD”) in lieu of non-achievement of priority sector lending targets are no longer eligible to be considered as indirect finance subsequent to the fiscal year 2007. The investments that existed as of March 31, 2007 were eligible for classification as indirect agriculture finance until March 31, 2010 or the date of maturity, whichever was earlier.

Domestic scheduled commercial banks having a shortfall in lending to priority sector targets, agriculture targets and weaker section targets are allocated amounts for contribution to the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund established with NABARD or funds with other financial institutions, as may be decided by the RBI, as and when funds are required by them. The interest rates on banks’ contribution to these schemes, and periods of deposits, among other things, is linked to the bank rate published by the RBI from time to time. Additionally, as per RBI guidelines, non-achievement of priority sector targets and sub-targets is taken into account by RBI when granting regulatory clearances/approvals for various purposes.

Foreign banks having 20 or more branches in India will be brought at par with domestic banks for priority sector targets in a phased manner over a maximum period of five years commencing from April 1, 2013 and will have a priority sector lending target of 40.0% of ANBC instead of the earlier requirement of 32.0%. Foreign banks having less than 20 branches in India continue to have the overall target of 32.0% of ANBC.

Export Credit

The RBI also requires banks to make loans to exporters. Banks have been advised to reach a level of outstanding export credit equivalent to 12.0% of their ANBC. We provide export credit for pre-shipment and post-shipment requirements of exporters in Rupees as well as foreign currencies. Export credit is not a separate priority sector lending category for domestic banks and foreign banks having 20 or more branches in India. Export credit to eligible activities under agriculture and MSEs will be taken into consideration for computing performance under the respective priority sector lending categories. Export credit extended by foreign banks with less than 20 branches will be taken into consideration in computing performance under the overall priority sector target. Interest rates on export credit in rupees are generally required to be determined in accordance with the base rate system. With effect from May 5, 2012, the RBI has deregulated the interest rates on export credit in foreign currency and has permitted banks to determine their own interest rates in respect thereof.

 

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Credit Exposure Limits

As a prudential measure aimed at better risk management and avoidance of concentration of credit risks, the RBI has advised banks to fix limits on their exposure to specific industries or sectors and has prescribed regulatory limits on banks’ exposures to individual borrowers and borrower groups. In addition, banks are also required to observe certain statutory and regulatory exposure limits in respect of advances against or investments in shares, convertible debentures or bonds, units of equity-oriented mutual funds and all exposures to venture capital funds (“VCFs”).

The RBI limits exposure to individual borrowers to not more than 15.0% of the capital funds of the bank and limits exposure to a borrower group to not more than 40.0% of the capital funds of the bank. The capital funds for this purpose are comprised of Tier I and Tier II capital, as defined under the capital adequacy standards. In the case of infrastructure projects, such as power, telecommunications, road and port projects, an additional exposure of up to 5.0% of capital funds is allowed in respect of individual borrowers and up to 10.0% in respect of group borrowers. Banks may, in exceptional circumstances, with the approval of their boards, consider enhancement of exposure to a borrower or a borrower group by a further 5.0% of capital funds. With effect from May 2008, the RBI revised the prudential limit to 25.0% of capital funds in respect of a bank’s exposure to oil companies to whom specified oil bonds have been issued by the Government of India. Banks would need to make appropriate disclosures in their annual financial statements in respect of exposures where they had exceeded the prudential exposure limits during the year.

The exposure (both lending and investment, including off balance sheet exposures) of a bank to a single NBFC or NBFC-asset financing companies (“AFC”) must not exceed 10.0% or 15.0%, respectively, of the bank’s capital funds as per its last audited balance sheet. Banks may however, assume exposures on a single NBFC or NBFC-AFC up to 15.0% or 20.0% of capital funds, respectively, if it is on account of funds on-lent by the NBFC or NBFC-AFC to the infrastructure sector. Exposure of a bank to infrastructure finance companies (“IFC”) should not exceed 15.0% of its capital funds as per its last audited balance sheet, with a provision to increase it to 20.0% if the same is on account of funds on-lent by the IFC to the infrastructure sector. Further, all banks may also consider fixing internal limits for their aggregate exposure to all NBFCs put together.

Exposure includes credit exposure (funded and non-funded credit limits) and investment exposure (including underwriting and similar commitments). The sanctioned limits or outstandings, whichever are higher, would be included when arriving at the exposure limit. However, in the case of fully drawn term loans, where there is no scope for re-drawing of any portion of the sanctioned limit, banks may consider the outstanding as the exposure. For the purpose of exposure norms, banks shall compute their credit exposures, arising on account of the interest rate and foreign exchange derivative transactions and gold, using the Current Exposure Method. While computing credit exposures, banks may exclude ‘sold options’, provided that the entire premium or fee or any other form of income is received or realized.

Credit Exposure is the aggregate of:

 

   

all types of funded and non-funded credit limits; and

 

   

facilities extended by way of equipment leasing, hire purchase finance and factoring services.

Apart from limiting exposures to an individual or a group of borrowers, as indicated above, the RBI guidelines also require banks to consider fixing internal limits for aggregate commitments to specific sectors, so that their exposures are evenly spread across various sectors. These limits are subject to a periodic review by banks.

Regulations Relating to Capital Market Exposure Limits

The RBI has issued guidelines on financing to participants in the capital markets. These guidelines place a ceiling on the overall exposure of a bank to the capital markets.

The aggregate exposure that a bank has to the capital markets in all forms (both fund and non-fund based) must not exceed 40.0% of its net worth (both for the stand-alone and the consolidated bank) as of March 31 of the previous year. Within this overall ceiling, the bank’s direct investment in shares, convertible bonds/debentures, units of equity-oriented mutual funds and exposure to venture capital funds (“VCFs”) must not exceed 20.0% of its net worth (both for the stand-alone and the consolidated bank). Net worth is comprised of the aggregate of paid-up capital, free reserves (including share premium but excluding revaluation reserves), investment fluctuation reserve and credit balance in the profit and loss account, less the debit balance in the profit and loss account, accumulated losses and intangible assets. There are guidelines on loans against equity shares in respect of amount, margin requirement and purpose.

 

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The following exposures are subject to the ceiling:

 

   

direct investment in equity shares, convertible bonds, convertible debentures and units of equity-oriented mutual funds, the fund assets of which are not exclusively invested in corporate debt;

 

   

advances against shares/bonds/debentures or other securities or advances without security to individuals for investment in shares (including in primary offerings and employee stock option plans), convertible bonds, convertible debentures and units of equity-oriented mutual funds;

 

   

advances for any other purposes where shares or convertible bonds or convertible debentures or units of equity oriented mutual funds are taken as primary security;

 

   

advances for any other purposes to the extent secured by collateral of shares, convertible bonds, convertible debentures or units of equity oriented mutual funds i.e. where the primary security other than shares or convertible bonds or convertible debentures or units of equity oriented mutual funds does not fully secure the advances;

 

   

secured and unsecured advances to stockbrokers and guarantees issued on behalf of stockbrokers and market makers;

 

   

loans sanctioned to companies against the security of shares/bonds/debentures or other securities or on a clean basis for meeting a promoter’s contribution to the equity of new companies;

 

   

bridge loans to companies against expected equity flows/issues;

 

   

underwriting commitments taken up by banks in respect of primary issues of shares or convertible bonds or convertible debentures or units of equity-oriented mutual funds. Banks are however permitted to exclude their own underwriting commitments, and the underwriting commitments of their subsidiaries, through the book running process for the purpose of arriving at the capital market exposure of the single bank as well as the consolidated bank;

 

   

financing to stockbrokers for margin trading; and

 

   

all exposure to venture capital funds (both registered and unregistered).

Regulations Relating to Other Loan Exposures

The RBI requires banks to have put in place a policy for exposure to real estate with the approval of their boards. The policy is required to include exposure limits, collaterals to be considered, collateral cover and margins and credit authorization. The RBI has also permitted banks to extend financial assistance to Indian companies for the acquisition of equity in overseas joint ventures or wholly owned subsidiaries or in other overseas companies, new or existing, as strategic investment. Banks are not permitted to finance acquisitions by companies in India.

Regulations Relating to Investments

Exposure Limits

Credit exposure limits specified by the RBI in respect of a bank’s lending to individual borrowers and borrower groups apply in respect of non-convertible debt instruments. Within the overall capital market exposure ceiling, a bank’s direct investments in equity securities, convertible bonds and debentures and units of equity-oriented mutual funds should not exceed 20.0% of its net worth as of March 31 of the previous year. A bank’s aggregate investment in subordinated bonds eligible for Tier II capital status issued by other banks or financial institutions is restricted to up to 10.0% of the investing bank’s capital funds (Tier I plus Tier II capital). Investments in the instruments issued by banks or financial institutions that are eligible for capital status attract a 100.0% risk weight for credit risk for capital adequacy purposes.

In order to contain the risks arising out of investment by banks in non-statutory liquidity ratio (“non-SLR”) securities, and in particular the risks arising out of investment in bonds through private placement, the RBI has issued detailed guidelines on investment by banks in non-SLR securities. Banks have been advised to restrict their new investments in unlisted securities to 10.0% of their total non-SLR investments as of March 31 of the previous year. Banks are permitted to invest in unlisted non-SLR securities within this limit, provided that such securities comply with prescribed disclosure requirements for listed companies as prescribed by the SEBI. Banks’ investments in unlisted non-SLR securities may exceed the limit of 10.0% by an additional 10.0%, provided the investment is on account of investments in securitization papers issued for infrastructure projects and bonds/debentures issued by Securitization Companies (“SC”) /Reconstruction Companies (“RCs”) set up under SARFEASI and registered with RBI. Investments in security receipts issued by SCs / RCs registered with RBI, investments in asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities, which are rated at or above the minimum investment grade and investments in unlisted convertible debentures will not be treated as unlisted non-SLR securities for computing compliance with the prudential limits. The guidelines relating to listing and rating requirements of non-SLR securities do not apply to investments in VCFs, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and mutual fund schemes where any part of the corpus can be invested in equity. Banks are not permitted to invest in unrated non-SLR securities except in the case of unrated bonds of companies engaged in infrastructure activities, within the overall ceiling of 10% for unlisted non-SLR securities.

 

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The total investment by banks in liquid/short-term debt schemes (by whatever name called) of mutual funds with a weighted average maturity of the portfolio of not more than one year, will be subject to a prudential cap of 10% of their net worth as on March 31 of the previous year. The weighted average maturity would be calculated as average of the remaining period of maturity of securities weighted by the sums invested.

Non-Performing Investments

The RBI has defined non-performing investments as those where principal or interest is unpaid for more than 90 days including preference shares where a fixed dividend is not paid or declared. The non-availability of the latest balance sheet of a company in whose equity securities a bank has invested will also render those equity shares non-performing investments. If any credit facility availed of by the issuer is an NPA in the books of the bank, investment in any of the securities issued by the same issuer would also be treated as a Non-Performing Investment (“NPI”) and vice versa. However, if only preference shares have been classified as an NPI, the investment in any of the other performing securities issued by the same issuer may not be classified as NPI and any performing credit given to that borrower need not be treated as an NPA.

Restrictions on Investments in a Single Company

In terms of Section 19(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, no banking company may hold shares in any company except as provided in sub-section (1) of that act, whether as pledgee, mortgagee or absolute owner of an amount exceeding 30.0% of the paid-up share capital of that company or 30.0% of its own paid-up share capital and reserves, whichever is lower. Further, in terms of Section 19(3) of the Banking Regulation Act, banks must not hold shares, whether as pledgee, mortgagee or absolute owner, in any company in the management of which the managing director, any other director or manager of the bank is in any manner concerned or interested.

Limit on Transactions through Individual Brokers

Guidelines issued by the RBI require banks to empanel brokers for transactions in securities. These guidelines also require that a disproportionate part of the bank’s business should not be transacted only through one broker or a few brokers. The RBI specifies that not more than 5.0% of the total transactions through empanelled brokers can be transacted through one broker. If for any reason this limit is breached, the RBI has stipulated that the board of directors of the bank concerned should be informed on a half-year basis of such occurrences. These guidelines are not applicable to banks’ dealings through Primary Dealers.

Valuation of Investments

The RBI has issued guidelines for the categorization and valuation of banks’ investments. The salient features of the guidelines are given below.

 

   

Banks are required to classify their entire portfolio of approved securities under three categories: “held for trading,” “available for sale” and “held to maturity.” Banks must decide the category of investment at the time of acquisition. For disclosure in the balance sheet the investments are further classified into six groups—government securities, other approved securities, shares, debentures and bonds, investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures and other investments.

 

   

Held to maturity (“HTM”) investments compulsorily include recapitalization bonds received from the Government, investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures and investments in long-term bonds (with a minimum residual maturity of seven years) issued by companies engaged in infrastructure activities. The minimum residual maturity of seven years must be at the time of investment in these bonds. Once invested, banks may continue to classify these investments under the HTM category even if the residual maturity falls below seven years subsequently. Held to maturity investments also include any other investments identified for inclusion in this category subject to the condition that such investments cannot exceed 25.0% of total investments. Banks are permitted to exceed the limit of 25.0% of investments for the held to maturity category provided the excess is comprised only of investments eligible for statutory liquidity ratio and the aggregate of such investments in the held to maturity category does not exceed 23.0% of the prescribed demand and time liabilities by March 2014 (being reduced from the earlier requirement of 25.0% in a phased manner).

 

   

Profit on the sale of investments in the held to maturity category is appropriated to the capital reserve account after being taken in the income statement. Loss on any sale is recognized in the income statement.

 

   

Investments under the held for trading category must be sold within 90 days; in the event of an inability to sell due to adverse factors including tight liquidity, extreme volatility or a unidirectional movement in the market, the unsold securities must be shifted, with the approval of the board of directors, the asset liability management committee or the investment committee, to the available for sale category.

 

   

Available for sale and held for trading securities are required to be valued at market or fair value at prescribed intervals. The market price of the security available from the stock exchange, the price of securities in subsidiary general ledger transactions, the RBI price list or prices declared by the Primary Dealers Association of India jointly with the Fixed Income Money Market and Derivatives Association of India serves as the “market value” for investments in available for sale and held for trading securities.

 

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Profit or loss on the sale of investments in both the held for trading and available for sale categories is recorded in the income statement.

 

   

Shifting of investments from or to held to maturity may be done with the approval of the board of directors once a year, normally at the beginning of the accounting year with the exception of shifting investments eligible for statutory liquidity ratio to comply with the phased reduction in the cap of 23.0% of the prescribed demand and time liabilities as stated above in respect of which shifting has been permitted at the beginning of each quarter during fiscal 2014; shifting of investments from available for sale to held for trading may be done with the approval of the board of directors, the asset liability management committee or the investment committee; shifting from held for trading to available for sale is generally not permitted, save for under exceptional circumstances where banks are not able to sell the security within 90 days due to tight liquidity conditions, or extreme volatility, or the market becoming unidirectional, in which case transfer is permitted only with the approval of the board of directors, the asset liability management committee or the investment committee.

Held to maturity securities are not marked to market and are carried at acquisition cost. However, in the case of securities acquired at a premium, the amortization is provided separately.

Available for sale and held for trading securities are to be valued at market or fair value at prescribed intervals. Depreciation or appreciation for each basket within the available for sale and held for trading categories is aggregated. While net depreciation is provided for, net appreciation in each basket, if any, is not recognized except to the extent of depreciation already provided.

Investments in security receipts or pass through certificates issued by asset reconstruction companies or trusts set up by asset reconstruction companies are valued at the lower of redemption value of the security receipts or the net book value of the underlying financial asset.

Prohibition on Short Selling

The RBI does not permit short selling of securities by banks, except short selling of central government securities subject to stipulated conditions. The RBI has permitted scheduled commercial banks to undertake short sales of central government securities, subject to the short position being covered within a maximum period of three months, including the day of trade. The short positions must be covered only by an outright purchase of an equivalent amount of the same security or through a long position in the When Issued market or allotment in primary auction.

Regulations Relating to Deposits

The RBI has permitted banks to independently determine rates of interest offered on fixed deposits. However, banks are not permitted to pay interest on current account deposits. From April 1, 2010, payment of interest on a savings account deposit is calculated on a daily product basis against the previous practice of interest being payable on the minimum balance held in the account during the period from the tenth day to the last calendar day of the month. With effect from October 25, 2011, the RBI permitted banks to offer varying rates of interest on savings deposits of resident Indians subject to the following conditions:

 

   

each bank will have to offer a uniform interest rate on savings bank deposits up to Rs. 0.1 million, irrespective of the amount in the account within this limit; and

 

   

for savings bank deposits over Rs. 0.1 million a bank may provide differential rates of interest, if it so chooses, by ensuring that it does not discriminate in interest paid on such deposits, between one deposit and another of similar amount, accepted on the same date, at any of its offices.

With effect from December 16, 2011, the RBI also permitted banks the flexibility to offer varying rates of interest on NRE and NRO deposit accounts.

Hitherto, banks were required to pay interest of 4.0% per annum (increased from 3.5% effective May 2011) on domestic savings deposits, rupee denominated Non-Resident (External) Accounts Scheme and Ordinary Non-Resident Scheme savings deposits. In respect of savings and time deposits accepted from employees, banks are permitted to pay an additional interest of 1.0% over the interest payable on deposits from the public.

The RBI has prescribed minimum and maximum maturity thresholds for certain types of deposits.

The RBI has permitted banks the flexibility to offer varying rates of interest on domestic time deposits of the same maturity based on the size of these deposits, subject to the following conditions:

 

   

time deposits are of Rs. 1.5 million and above; and

 

   

interest on deposits is paid in accordance with the schedule of interest rates disclosed in advance by the bank and not pursuant to negotiation between the depositor and the bank.

With effect from April 1, 2013, the RBI increased the above threshold of Rs. 1.5 million to Rs. 10.0 million.

 

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To achieve greater financial inclusion, banks have been advised by the RBI to offer a basic savings bank deposit account without any requirement of minimum balance and without carrying a charge for the stipulated basic minimum services that would make such accounts available as a normal banking service to all.

Deposit Insurance

Demand and time deposits of up to Rs. 100,000 accepted by scheduled commercial banks in India have to be mandatorily insured with the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RBI. Banks are required to pay the insurance premium to the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation on a semi-annual basis. The cost of the insurance premium cannot be passed on to the customer.

Regulations Relating to Knowing the Customer and Anti-Money Laundering

The RBI has issued several guidelines on customer identification and monitoring of transactions. Banks have been advised to put in place systems and procedures to control financial frauds, identify money laundering and suspicious activities, and monitor high value cash transactions. The RBI has also issued guidelines from time to time advising banks to be vigilant while opening accounts for new customers to prevent misuse of the banking system for perpetration of frauds.

Banks have been advised to ensure that a proper policy framework on Know Your Customer (“KYC”) and Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) measures duly approved by the board of directors is formulated and implemented. This framework is required to inter alia include procedures/process in relation to (a) Customer Acceptance Policy; (b) Customer Identification Procedures; (c) Monitoring of Transactions; and (d) Risk Management.

RBI guidelines require that a profile of the customers should be prepared based on risk categorization. Banks have been advised to apply enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers. The guidelines provide that banks should undertake customer identification procedures while establishing a banking relationship or carrying out a financial transaction or when the bank has a doubt about the authenticity or the adequacy of the previously obtained customer identification data. Banks must obtain sufficient information necessary to establish the identity of each new customer and the purpose of the intended banking relationship. The guidelines also provide that banks should monitor transactions depending on the account’s risk sensitivity. Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005 require every banking company, and financial institution, as the case may be, to identify the beneficial owner and take all reasonable steps to verify his identity. The term “beneficial owner” has been defined as the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a client and/or the person on whose behalf the transaction is being conducted, including a person who exercises ultimate effective control over a juridical person. The procedure for identification of the beneficial owner has been specified by the Government of India in the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005.

The KYC procedures for opening accounts have been simplified for ‘small accounts’ in order to ensure that the implementation of the KYC guidelines do not result in the denial of the banking services to those who are financially or socially disadvantaged. A ‘small account’ is defined as a savings account in a banking company where (i) the aggregate of all credits in a financial year does not exceed Rs.0.1 million; (ii) the aggregate of all withdrawals and transfers in a month does not exceed Rs. 0.01 million; and (iii) the balance at any point of time does not exceed Rs. 0.05 million.

In addition to keeping customer information confidential, banks must ensure that only information relevant to the perceived risk is collected and that the same is not intrusive in nature. Apart from addressing this concern the guidelines set out in detail the framework to be adopted by banks as regards their customer dealings and are directed towards prevention of financial frauds and money laundering transactions.

In a bid to prevent money laundering activities, the Government enacted the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (the “PML Act”) which came into effect from July 1, 2005. The PML Act seeks to prevent money laundering and to provide for confiscation of property derived from, or involved in, money laundering and for incidental matters or matters connected therewith.

All the instructions/guidelines issued to banks on KYC norms, AML standards and obligations of the banks under the PML Act have been consolidated in the RBI master circular on Know Your Customer norms / Anti-Money Laundering standards/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT)/Obligation of banks under PML Act issued in July 2012.

 

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The PML Act and the rules made thereunder stipulate that banking companies, financial institutions and intermediaries (together, the “Institutions”) shall maintain a comprehensive record of all their transactions, including the nature and value of such transaction. Further, it mandates verification of the identity of all their clients and also requires the Institutions to maintain records of their respective clients. These details are to be provided to the authority established by the PML Act, who is empowered to order confiscation of property where the authority is of the opinion that a crime as recognized under the PML Act has been committed. In addition the applicable exchange control regulations prescribe reporting mechanisms for transactions in foreign exchange and require authorized dealers to report identified suspicious transactions to the RBI.

Banks are advised to develop suitable mechanisms through an appropriate policy framework for enhanced monitoring of accounts suspected of having terrorist links, identification of the transactions carried out in these accounts and suitable reporting to the Director, Financial Intelligence Unit (India) (“FIU”). Banks are required to report to the FIU:

 

  (a) all cash transactions with a value of more than Rs. 1 million or an equivalent in foreign currency;

 

  (b) all series of cash transactions integrally connected to each other which have been valued below Rs. 1 million or an equivalent in foreign currency where such series of transactions have taken place within a month and the aggregate value of such transactions exceeds Rs. 1 million;

 

  (c) all transactions involving receipts by non-profit organizations of values greater than Rs. 1 million or an equivalent in foreign currency;

 

  (d) all cash transactions where forged or counterfeit currency notes or bank notes have been used and where any forgery of a valuable security or a document has taken place facilitating the transaction; and

 

  (e) all other suspicious transactions.

Legal Reserve Requirements

Cash Reserve Ratio

Each bank is required to maintain a specific percentage of its demand and time liabilities by way of a balance in a current account with the RBI. This is to maintain the solvency of the banking system. The amendments made to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and the Banking Regulation Act during fiscal 2007 enhanced the operational flexibility in monetary management of the RBI. The RBI (Amendment) Act, 2006 came into force on April 1, 2007. Section 3 of this Act removed the floor and the ceiling rates on Cash Reserve Ratio (“CRR”) and no interest was payable on the CRR balances of banks with effect from March 31, 2007. Scheduled commercial banks are exempted from maintaining CRR on the following liabilities:

 

  i. liabilities to the banking system in India as computed under clause (d) of the explanation to section 42(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934;

 

  ii. credit balances in Asian Clearing Union (US $) Accounts;

 

  iii. inter-bank term deposits or term borrowing liabilities of original maturities of 15 days and above and up to one year in “liabilities to the banking system”. Similarly banks should exclude their inter-bank assets of term deposits and term lending or original maturity of 15 days and above and up to one year in “assets with the banking system” for the purpose of maintenance of CRR. The interest accrued on these deposits are also exempted from reserve requirements; and

 

  iv. demand and time liabilities in respect of the banks Offshore Banking Units.

CRR is required to be maintained on an average basis for a two-week period and should not fall below 70.0% of the required CRR on any particular day. The CRR requirement as of March 31, 2013 was 4.0% of the prescribed net demand and time liabilities. In order to address the recent volatility in rupee exchange rates, the RBI in July 2013 increased the requirement of minimum daily CRR balance maintenance to 99.0% with effect from the first day of the fortnight beginning July 27, 2013.

Statutory Liquidity Ratio

In order to maintain liquidity in the banking system, in addition to the CRR, each bank is required to maintain a specified percentage of its net demand and time liabilities by way of liquid assets such as cash, gold or approved securities, such as Government of India and State Government Securities. The percentage of this ratio is fixed by the RBI from time to time and was at 23.0% as of March 31, 2013. The RBI master circular on the Statutory Liquidity Ratio specifies certain liabilities which will not be included in the calculation of the Statutory Liquidity Ratio.

 

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Regulations on Asset Liability Management

Since 1999, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued several guidelines relating to Asset-Liability Management (“ALM”) in banks in India. The RBI guidelines cover, inter alia, the interest rate risk and liquidity risk measurement and reporting framework, including establishing prudential limits. The guidelines require that gap statements for liquidity and interest rate risk are prepared by scheduling all assets and liabilities according to the stated and anticipated re-pricing date or maturity date. The RBI has advised banks to actively monitor the difference in the amount of assets and liabilities maturing or being re-priced in a particular period and place internal prudential limits on the gaps in each time period, as a risk control mechanism. Additionally, the RBI has advised banks to manage their asset-liability liquidity structure within negative gap limits for 1 day, 2-7 days, 8-14 days and 15-28 days set at 5.0%, 10.0%, 15.0% and 20.0% of the cumulative cash outflows in the respective time buckets in order to recognize the cumulative impact on liquidity. In respect of other time periods, up to one year, the RBI has directed banks to lay down internal standards in respect of liquidity gaps. In order to recognize the cumulative impact on liquidity, banks are also advised to prepare the statement of structural liquidity on a daily basis and also undertake dynamic liquidity management. Banks are required to submit the liquidity statements periodically to RBI, as specified in these guidelines.

RBI’s “Guidelines on Banks’ Asset Liability Management Framework—Interest Rate Risk” issued in November 2010 mandate banks in India to evaluate interest rate risk using both methods i.e. Traditional Gap Analysis (“TGA”) and Duration Gap Analysis (“DGA”). Banks are required to submit the TGA and DGA results from time to time to the RBI as mentioned in the guidelines.

Further, RBI guidelines on Stress Testing issued in 2007 has reinforced stress testing as an integral part of a bank’s risk management process, and the results are used to evaluate the potential vulnerability to some unlikely but plausible events or movements in financial variables that affect both interest rate risk and liquidity risk in the bank.

In November 2012, the RBI issued enhanced guidelines on liquidity risk management by banks. These guidelines consolidate various instructions on liquidity risk management that the RBI had issued from time to time, and where appropriate, harmonize and enhance these instructions in line with the principles for sound liquidity risk management and supervision issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“BCBS”). The RBI’s guidelines require banks to establish a sound process for identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling liquidity risk, including a robust framework for comprehensively projecting cash flows arising from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items over an appropriate time horizon. The key items covered under these guidelines include: i) governance of liquidity risk management including liquidity risk management policy, strategies and practices and liquidity risk tolerance; ii) management of liquidity risk, including identification, measurement and monitoring of liquidity risk; iii) collateral position management; iv) intra-day liquidity position management; and v) stress testing.

Foreign Currency Dealership

The RBI has granted us a full-fledged Authorized Dealers’ License to deal in foreign exchange through our designated branches. Under this license, we have been granted permission to: engage in foreign exchange transactions in all currencies; open and maintain foreign currency accounts abroad; raise foreign currency and rupee-denominated deposits from non-resident Indians; grant foreign currency loans to on-shore and off-shore corporations; open documentary credits; grant import and export loans; handle collection of bills and funds transfer services; issue foreign currency guarantees; and enter into derivative transactions and risk management activities that are incidental to our normal functions authorized under our organizational documents and as permitted under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act.

Our foreign exchange operations are subject to the guidelines contained in the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (“Foreign Exchange Management Act”). As an authorized dealer, we are required to enroll as a member of the Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of India (“FEDAI”) which prescribes the rules relating to the foreign exchange business in India.

We are required to determine our limits on open positions and maturity gaps in accordance with RBI guidelines and within limits approved by the RBI. Further, we are permitted to hedge foreign currency loan exposures of Indian corporations in the form of interest rate swaps, currency swaps and forward rate agreements, subject to certain conditions.

Statutes Governing Foreign Exchange and Cross-Border Business Transactions

Foreign exchange and cross border transactions undertaken by banks are subject to the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act. All banks are required to monitor the transactions in all non-resident accounts to prevent money laundering. These transactions are governed by the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, and the PML Act.

In terms of the guidelines prescribed by the RBI, overseas foreign currency borrowings by banks in India (including overdraft balances in nostro accounts not adjusted within five days) should not exceed 50.0% of its unimpaired Tier I capital or US$ 10 million (or its equivalent), whichever is higher. The aforesaid limit applies to the aggregate amount availed of by all the offices and branches in India from all their branches and correspondents abroad and includes overseas borrowings in gold for funding domestic gold loans.

 

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The following borrowings would continue to be outside the above limit:

 

  1. overseas borrowing by banks for the purpose of financing export credit subject to certain conditions prescribed by the RBI;

 

  2. capital funds raised or augmented by the issue of Innovative Perpetual Debt Instruments and Debt Capital Instruments in foreign currency;

 

  3. subordinated debt placed by head offices of foreign banks with their branches in India as Tier II capital; and

 

  4. any other overseas borrowing with the specific approval of the RBI.

Special Provisions of the Banking Regulation Act

Prohibited Business

Section 6 of the Banking Regulation Act specifies the business activities in which a bank may engage. Banks are prohibited from engaging in business activities other than the specified activities.

Reserve Fund

Any bank incorporated in India is required to create a reserve fund to which it must transfer not less than 20.0% of the profits of each year before any dividend is declared. If there is an appropriation from the reserve funds or share premium account, the bank is required to report the same to the RBI within 21 days, explaining the circumstances leading to such appropriation. The Government may, on the recommendation of the RBI, exempt a bank from requirements relating to its reserve fund.

Restrictions on Payment of Dividends

The Banking Regulation Act requires that a bank pay dividends on its shares only after all of its capital expenses (including preliminary expenses, organization expenses, share selling commissions, brokerage on public offerings, amounts of losses and any other items of expenditure not represented by tangible assets) have been completely written off. The Government may exempt banks from this provision by issuing a notification on the recommendation of the RBI.

Banks that comply with the following prudential requirements are eligible to declare dividends:

 

   

capital adequacy ratio must be at least 9.0% for the preceding two completed years and the fiscal year for which the bank proposes to declare a dividend;

 

   

net non-performing assets must be less than 7.0% of advances. In the event a bank does not meet the above capital adequacy norm, but has capital adequacy of at least 9.0% for the fiscal year for which it proposes to declare a dividend it would be eligible to declare a dividend if its net non-performing asset ratio is less than 5%;

 

   

the bank has complied with the provisions of Sections 15 and 17 of the Banking Regulation Act;

 

   

the bank has complied with the prevailing regulations/guidelines issued by the RBI, including creating adequate provisions for the impairment of assets and staff retirement benefits and the transfer of profits to statutory reserves;

 

   

dividends should be payable out of the current year’s profits; and

 

   

the RBI has not placed any explicit restrictions on the bank for declarations of dividends.

Banks which comply with the above prudential requirements, can pay dividends subject to compliance with the following conditions:

 

   

the dividend payout ratio (calculated as a percentage of “dividends payable in a year” (excluding dividend tax) to “net profit during the year”) should not exceed 40.0%. The RBI has prescribed a matrix of criteria linked to the capital adequacy ratio and the net non-performing assets ratio in order to ascertain the maximum permissible range of the dividend payout ratio; and

 

   

if the financial statements for which the dividend is declared have any audit qualifications which have an adverse bearing on the profits, the same should be adjusted while calculating the dividend payout ratio.

In case the profit for the relevant periods includes any extra-ordinary profits/income, the payout ratio shall be computed after excluding such extra-ordinary items for compliance with the prudential payout ratio.

Restriction on Share Capital and Voting Rights

Banks were earlier permitted to issue only ordinary shares. In January 2013, the Banking Regulation Act was amended to inter alia permit banks to also issue preference shares. However, guidelines governing the issuance of preference shares are yet to be issued. The amended Banking Regulation Act also permits the RBI to increase the cap on the voting rights of a single shareholder of a private bank from the existing cap of 10.0% to 25.0% in a phased manner.

 

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Restriction on Transfer of Shares

RBI approval is required before a bank can register the transfer of shares to an individual or group which acquires 5.0% or more of its total paid-up capital.

Regulatory Reporting and Examination Procedures

The RBI is empowered under the Banking Regulation Act, to inspect the books of accounts and the other operations of a bank. The RBI monitors prudential parameters at regular intervals. The findings of these inspections are provided to banks, who are required to comply with the actions recommended in order to set right any discrepancies in their operations as contained in the inspection findings within a stipulated time frame. Further, banks are required to keep the inspection report confidential as per the instructions issued by the RBI. To this end and to enable off-site monitoring and surveillance by the RBI, banks are required to report to the RBI on financial and operating measures such as:

 

   

assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet exposures;

 

   

the risk weighting of these exposures, the capital base and the capital adequacy ratio;

 

   

the unaudited operating results for each quarter;

 

   

asset quality;

 

   

concentration of exposures;

 

   

connected and related lending and the profile of ownership, control and management; and

 

   

other prudential parameters.

The RBI also conducts periodic on-site inspections of matters relating to the bank’s capital, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and systems and controls on an annual basis. We have been subjected to on-site inspection by the RBI at yearly intervals. The inspection report, along with the report on actions taken by us, has to be placed before our Board of Directors. On approval by our Board, we are required to submit the report on actions taken by us to the RBI. The RBI also discusses the findings of the inspection with our management team along with members of the Audit Committee of our Board.

The RBI also conducts on-site supervision of selected branches of banks with respect to their general operations and foreign exchange related transactions.

The RBI has rolled-out a risk based supervision (“RBS”) framework which envisages continuous monitoring of banks through robust offsite reports to the RBI coupled with need based on-site inspection. This framework has been implemented by RBI for specific banks with effect from fiscal 2014. We have been identified as one of the banks under the RBS framework.

Penalties

The RBI is empowered under the Banking Regulation Act, to impose penalties on banks and their employees in case of infringement of any provision of the above Act. The penalty may be a fixed amount or may be related to the amount involved in any contravention of the regulations. The penalty may also include imprisonment.

No penalties were levied by the RBI during fiscal year 2013.

In March 2013, there were certain allegations published in the media against us and a few banks in the private sector. We investigated, as a matter of priority, if any breach of the Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti Money Laundering (AML) guidelines specified by the RBI had occurred. The RBI had also conducted a scrutiny of our books of accounts, internal control, compliance systems and processes during March and April 2013. The scrutiny did not reveal any incident of money laundering. However, the RBI discovered certain irregularities and violations, namely, non-observance of certain safeguards in respect of arrangement of “at par” payment of checks drawn by cooperative banks, exceptions in periodic review of risk profiling of account holders, non -adherence to KYC rules for walk-in customers (non-customers) including for sale of third party products, sale of gold coins for cash in excess of Rs. 50,000 and non-submission of proper information required by the RBI. Based on its assessment, the RBI imposed on us a monetary penalty of Rs. 45 million in June 2013, which we have since paid. A press release dated July 15, 2013 issued by the RBI states that a similar scrutiny was also conducted at the offices of 29 other banks during April 2013. The RBI levied a penalty of Rs. 495.1 million on 22 of these banks and issued cautionary letters to seven banks. We have initiated steps to further strengthen our processes and procedures to further reduce the risk of such irregularities and violations.

 

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We paid a penalty of Rs. 1.5 million during fiscal year 2012. The RBI had issued a show cause notice in October 2010 to us for having contravened the guidelines issued by the RBI and provisions of Foreign Exchange Management (Foreign Exchange Derivative Contracts) Regulation 2000 in respect of derivative deals done by us, as observed in the RBI’s annual financial inspection with respect to our financial position as at and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008. Subsequently, vide our letter dated October 19, 2010, we submitted our response to the RBI explaining our position and clarifying that we were in compliance with the RBI guidelines. While RBI accepted some of our submissions, few other submissions made in the matter were not accepted and the RBI imposed a penalty of Rs. 1.5 million for non-compliance of the RBI’s directions and instructions in terms of section 47A(1)(b) read with section 46(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, which we paid in fiscal 2012.

Assets to be maintained in India

Every bank is required to ensure that its assets in India (including import-export bills drawn on/in India and the RBI approved securities, even if the bills and the securities are held outside India) are not less than 75% of its demand and time liabilities in India.

Secrecy Obligations

Banks’ obligations relating to maintaining secrecy arise out of regulatory prescription and also common law principles governing the relationship between them and their customers. Banks cannot disclose any information to third parties except under certain limited and clearly defined circumstances as detailed in the guidelines issued by the RBI.

Subsidiaries and Other Investments

Banks require the prior permission of the RBI to incorporate a subsidiary. Banks are required to maintain an “arms-length” relationship in respect of their subsidiaries and are prohibited from taking actions such as taking undue advantage in borrowing or lending funds, transferring or selling or buying securities at rates other than market rates, giving special consideration for securities transactions, overindulgence in supporting or financing subsidiaries and financing its clients through them when it itself is not able or not permitted to do so. Banks and their subsidiaries have to observe the prudential standards stipulated by the RBI, from time to time, in respect of their underwriting commitments.

Banks also require the prior specific approval of the RBI to participate in the equity of financial services ventures including stock exchanges and depositories, notwithstanding the fact that such investments may be within the ceiling prescribed under Section 19(2) of the Banking Regulation Act. Further, investment by a bank in its subsidiaries, financial services companies or financial institutions should not exceed 10.0% of its paid-up capital and reserves. Investments by banks in companies which are not its subsidiaries and are not financial services companies would be subject to a limit of 10% of the investee company’s paid up share capital or 10% of the bank’s paid up share capital and reserves, whichever is less. Any investment above this limit will be subject to the RBI approval except as provided otherwise. Equity investments in any non-financial services company held by (a) a bank; (b) bank’s subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures or entities directly or indirectly controlled by the bank; and (c) mutual funds managed by AMCs controlled by the bank should in the aggregate not exceed 20% of the investee company’s paid up share capital. Further, a bank’s equity investments in subsidiaries and other entities that are engaged in financial services activities together with equity investments in entities engaged in non-financial services activities should not exceed 20% of the bank’s paid-up share capital and reserves.

Guidelines for Merger/Amalgamation of Private Sector Banks

The RBI issued detailed guidelines in May 2005 on the merger or amalgamation of private sector banks and for the amalgamation of a non-banking finance company with a banking company. The guidelines lay down the process for a merger proposal, the determination of swap ratios, disclosures, the stages at which the board of directors will get involved in the merger process and norms of buying and selling of shares by the promoters before and during the merger process.

Appointment and Remuneration of the Chairman, the Managing Director and Other Directors

Banks require the prior approval of the RBI to appoint their Chairman and Managing Director and any other directors and to fix their remuneration. The RBI is empowered to remove the appointee on the grounds of public interest or the interest of depositors or to ensure the proper management of the bank. Further, the RBI may order meetings of the board of directors of banks to discuss any matter in relation to the bank, appoint observers to these meetings and in general may make changes to the management as it may deem necessary and can also order the convening of a general meeting of the company to elect new directors.

 

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In January 2012, the RBI issued revised guidelines relating to salary and other remuneration payable to whole time directors, chief executive officers and other risk takers of new private sector banks. With these guidelines, the RBI aims to achieve effective governance of compensation, alignment of compensation with prudent risk-taking and require banks to make appropriate disclosures in their financial statements. Banks are required to formulate and adopt a comprehensive compensation policy in line with the guidelines covering all their employees and conduct annual review thereof. The policy should cover all aspects of the compensation structure such as fixed pay, perquisites, bonus, variable pay deferrals, guaranteed pay, severance package, stock, pension plan and gratuity. These guidelines are effective fiscal 2013. The guidelines also state that private sector banks would be required to obtain regulatory approval for grant of remuneration to whole time directors/chief executive officers in terms of Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, on a case-to-case basis.

Regulations and Guidelines of the SEBI

SEBI was established in 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 to protect the interests of public investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate, the Indian securities market including all related matters. We are subject to SEBI regulations in respect of its capital issuances as well as some of our activities, including acting as agent for collecting subscriptions to public offerings of securities made by other Indian companies, underwriting, custodial, depositary participant, and investment banking. and since our equity shares are listed on Indian stock exchanges. These regulations provide for registering with SEBI the functions, responsibilities and the code of conduct applicable for each of these activities.

Foreign Ownership Restriction

Aggregate foreign investment in the Bank from all sources (including from FIIs) may not exceed 74.0% of our paid-up equity share capital. Shares held by FIIs under portfolio investment schemes through stock exchanges may not exceed 49.0% of our paid-up equity share capital. Further, as per the existing policy of the RBI, any allotment or transfer of shares which will take the aggregate shareholding of an individual or a group to an equivalent of 5.0% or more of our paid-up capital would require the prior acknowledgement of the RBI before we can affect the allotment or transfer of shares.

Moratorium, Reconstruction and Amalgamation of Banks

A bank can apply to the high court for the suspension of its business. The high court, after considering the application of the bank, may order a moratorium staying commencement of an action or proceedings against the relevant banking company for a maximum period of six months. During such period of moratorium, if the RBI is satisfied that: (a) in the public interest; or (b) in the interest of the depositors; or (c) in order to secure the proper management of the bank; or (d) in the interests of the banking system of the country as a whole, it may prepare a scheme for the reconstruction of the bank or amalgamation of the bank with any other bank. In circumstances entailing reconstruction of the bank or amalgamation of the bank with another bank, the RBI would invite suggestions and objections on the draft scheme prior to placing the scheme before the Government for its sanction. The Government may sanction the scheme with or without modifications. The law does not require consent of the shareholders or creditors of such banks.

 

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Special Status of Banks in India

The special status of banks is recognized under various statutes including the Sick Industrial Companies (“Special Provisions”) Act, 1985 (“SICA”), Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 (“DRT Act”) and the SARFAESI Act. As a bank, we are entitled to certain benefits under the DRT Act which provide for the establishment of Debt Recovery Tribunals for expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts due to any bank or Public Financial Institution or to a consortium of banks and Public Financial Institutions. Under the DRT Act, the procedures for recovery of debt have been simplified and indicative time frames been fixed for speedy disposal of cases. Upon establishment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal, no court or other authority can exercise jurisdiction in relation to matters covered by this Act, except the higher courts in India in certain circumstances. The SICA provides for reference of “sick” industrial companies, to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (“BIFR”). Under the SICA, other than the board of directors of a company, a scheduled bank (where it has an interest in the “sick” industrial company by any financial assistance or obligation, rendered by it or undertaken by it) may refer the company to the BIFR. The SICA has been repealed by the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Repeal Act, 2004 (the “SICA Repeal Act”). However, pursuant to the SICA Repeal Act, which is due to come into force on a date to be notified by the central Government in the official gazette, the provisions of the Companies Act will apply in relation to “sick” companies, under which the reference must be made to the National Company Law Tribunal, in place of the BIFR.

The SARFAESI Act focuses on improving the rights and simplifying the procedures for enforcement of security interest of banks and financial institutions and other specified secured creditors as well as asset reconstruction companies by providing that such secured creditors can take over management control of a borrower company upon default and/or sell assets without the intervention of courts, in accordance with the provisions of the SARFAESI Act. It also provides the legal framework for the securitization and reconstruction of financial assets.

Credit Information Bureaus

The Parliament of India has enacted the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005, pursuant to which every credit institution, including a bank, has to become a member of a credit information bureau and furnish to it such credit information as may be required of the credit institution by the credit information bureau about persons who enjoy a credit relationship with it. Other credit institutions, credit information bureaus and such other persons as the RBI specifies may access such disclosed credit information.

Regulations governing international branches and representative offices

We have overseas banking branches in Bahrain and Hong Kong and one representative office each in Dubai-UAE, Abu Dhabi-UAE and Nairobi-Kenya. Our branch in Bahrain is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, and has been granted a license designating it as a wholesale bank branch. The activities that can be carried out from the Bahrain branch are deposit taking, providing credit, dealing in financial instruments as principal, dealing in financial instruments as agent, managing financial instruments, operating a collective investment undertaking, arranging deals in financial instruments, advising on financial instruments and issuing / administering means of payment. Our branch in Hong Kong is a full service branch and is regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The branch is permitted to undertake banking business in that jurisdiction with certain restrictions.

Our representative offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE are regulated by the Central Bank of UAE and our representative office in Nairobi, Kenya is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya.

 

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EXCHANGE CONTROLS

Restrictions on Conversion of Rupees

There are restrictions on the conversion of rupees into dollars. Before February 29, 1992, the RBI determined the official value of the rupee in relation to a weighted basket of currencies of India’s major trading partners. In the February 1992 budget, a new dual exchange rate mechanism was introduced by allowing conversion of 60.0% of the foreign exchange received on trade or by current account at a market-determined rate and the remaining 40.0% at the official rate. All importers were, however, required to buy foreign exchange at the market rate, except for certain priority imports. In March 1993, the exchange rate was unified and allowed to float. In February 1994 and again in August 1994, the RBI announced relaxations in payment restrictions in the case of a number of transactions. Since August 1994, the government of India has substantially complied with its obligations owed to the International Monetary Fund, under which India is committed to refrain from using exchange restrictions on current international transactions as an instrument in managing the balance of payments. Effective July 1995, the process of current account convertibility was advanced by relaxing restrictions on foreign exchange for various purposes, such as foreign travel and medical treatment. The government has also, since 1999, relaxed restrictions on capital account transactions by resident Indians. For example, the RBI has now permitted persons resident in India to remit up to US$ 200,000 for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.

Restrictions on Sales of the Equity Shares Underlying the ADSs and Repatriation of Sale Proceeds

Under the laws of India, ADSs issued by Indian companies to non-residents are freely transferable outside of India. Similarly, under the recent amendments to Indian regulations, no approval of the RBI is required for the sale of equity shares underlying ADSs by a non-resident of India to a person resident in India, subject to reporting requirements and the applicable pricing norms if the shares are not sold on a recognized Indian exchange.

The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has granted general permission for the transfer of ADRs outside India and also permitted non-resident holders of ADRs to surrender ADRs in exchange for the underlying shares of the Indian issuer company. Pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, an investor who surrenders ADRs and withdraws shares is permitted to redeposit such shares subject to the total issued ADRs and obtain ADRs at a later time, subject to compliance with applicable regulations.

Two-Way Fungibility of ADSs

The RBI permits the re-conversion of shares of Indian companies into ADSs, subject to the following conditions:

 

   

the Indian company has issued ADSs;

 

   

the shares of the Indian company are purchased by a registered stockbroker in India in the name of the depository, on behalf of the non-resident investor who wishes to convert such shares into ADSs;

 

   

shares are purchased on a recognized stock exchange;

 

   

the shares are purchased with the permission of the custodian of the ADSs of the Indian company and are deposited with the custodian;

 

   

the number of shares so purchased does not exceed the ADSs converted into underlying shares, and are in compliance with the sectoral caps applicable under the Foreign Direct Investment regime; and

 

   

the non-resident investor, broker, custodian and the overseas depository comply with the provisions of the Depository Receipt Mechanism and the guidelines issued thereunder from time to time.

The RBI requires the domestic custodian to ensure compliance with RBI guidelines and to file reports with the RBI from time to time. The domestic custodian is also required to perform, inter alia, the following functions in the context of the two-way fungibility of ADSs as per Indian laws:

 

   

provide a certificate to the RBI and the SEBI stating that the sectoral caps for foreign investment in the relevant company have not been breached;

 

   

monitor the total number of ADSs that have been converted into underlying shares by non-resident investors;

 

   

liaise with the issuer company to verify that the sectoral caps for foreign direct investment, if any, are not being breached; and

 

   

file a monthly report about the ADS transactions under the two-way fungibility arrangement with the RBI and the SEBI.

 

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An investor who surrenders an ADS and withdraws equity shares may be entitled to redeposit those equity shares in the depositary facility in exchange for ADSs and the depositary may accept deposits of outstanding equity shares purchased by a non-resident on the local stock exchange and issue ADSs representing those equity shares. However, in each case, the aggregate number of equity shares re-deposited or deposited by such persons cannot exceed the number of shares represented by ADSs as have been previously cancelled and not already replaced by further newly issued ADSs. The RBI has issued a notification, inter alia, permitting Indian companies to sponsor ADS issues against shares held by their shareholders at a price to be determined by the lead manager. Investors who seek to sell any equity shares in India withdrawn from the depositary facility and to convert the rupee proceeds from the sale into foreign currency and repatriate the foreign currency from India will, subject to the foregoing, not have to obtain RBI approval for each transaction.

 

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RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF INDIAN SECURITIES

The Government of India regulates ownership of Indian companies by non-residents. Foreign investment in Indian securities is generally regulated by the Foreign Exchange Management Act. The Foreign Exchange Management Act, when read together with the regulations issued thereunder by the RBI, permits transactions involving the inflow or outflow of foreign exchange and empowers the RBI to prohibit or regulate such transactions.

The Foreign Exchange Management Act has eased restrictions on current account transactions by non-residents. However, the RBI continues to exercise control over capital account transactions (i.e., those that alter the assets or liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of persons). The RBI has issued regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to regulate the various kinds of capital account transactions, including certain aspects of the purchase and issuance of shares of Indian companies.

The RBI has issued a notification under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act relaxing the requirement of prior approval for an Indian company making an ADS issue, provided that the issuer is eligible to issue ADSs pursuant to the relevant scheme or notification issued by the Ministry of Finance or has the necessary approval from the Ministry of Finance.

Under the foreign investment rules, the following restrictions are applicable to non-resident ownership:

Foreign Direct Investment

The Government of India, pursuant to its liberalization policy, set up the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (“FIPB”), to regulate all foreign direct investment into India. Foreign Direct Investment (“FDI”) means investment by a non-resident entity/person resident outside India in the equity shares/compulsorily convertible preference shares/compulsorily convertible debentures of an Indian company under Schedule 1 of the FEM (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Outside India) Regulations, 2000. FIPB approval is required for investment in some sectors, including petroleum, defense, public sector banks and asset reconstruction companies. In addition, the following investments also require the prior permission of the FIPB:

 

   

investments, including a transfer of shares, in excess of specified sectoral caps;

 

   

transfer of control and / or ownership pursuant to amalgamation, merger, or acquisition of an Indian company engaged in an activity having limitations on foreign ownership, currently owned or controlled by resident Indian citizens and Indian companies, which are owned or controlled by resident Indian citizens to a non-resident entity;

 

   

investment of more than 24.0% in the equity capital of units manufacturing items reserved for small scale industries;

 

   

investment in a non-operating holding company;

 

   

investments by an unincorporated entity; and

 

   

investment by swap of shares.

A person residing outside India or any entity incorporated outside India has general permission to purchase shares, convertible debentures or preference shares of an Indian company subject to certain terms and conditions. Further, a citizen of Bangladesh or Pakistan or any entity incorporated in Bangladesh or Pakistan may, with the prior approval of the Government, purchase shares, convertible debentures or preference shares of an Indian company subject to the prescribed terms and conditions.

Subject to certain exceptions, FDI and investment by non-resident Indians in Indian companies does not require the prior approval of the FIPB or the RBI. The government has indicated that in all cases where FDI is allowed on an automatic basis without FIPB approval, the RBI would continue to be the primary agency for the purposes of monitoring and regulating foreign investment. In cases where FIPB approval is obtained, no approval of the RBI is required. In both of the above cases, the prescribed applicable norms with respect to determining the price at which the shares may be issued by the Indian company to the non-resident investor would need to be complied with and a declaration in the prescribed form, detailing the foreign investment, must be filed with the RBI once the foreign investment is made in the Indian company. The foregoing description applies only to an issuance of shares by, and not to a transfer of shares of, Indian companies.

The government has set up the Foreign Investment Implementation Authority (“FIIA”), in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The FIIA has been mandated to (i) translate FDI approvals into implementation, (ii) provide a proactive one-stop after-care service to foreign investors by helping them obtain necessary approvals, (iii) sort out operational problems and (iv) meet with various government agencies to find solutions to foreign investment problems and maximize opportunities through a cooperative approach.

 

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Under the foreign investment rules, the following restrictions are applicable to foreign ownership:

 

   

Foreign investors may own up to 74.0 % of the equity shares of a private sector Indian banking company subject to compliance with guidelines issued by the RBI from time to time. FDI up to 49.0% is permitted under the automatic route and FDI above 49.0% requires prior approval of the FIPB. It includes FDI, ADSs, Global Depositary Receipts and investments under the portfolio investment scheme by foreign institutional investors and also by non-resident Indians. In addition, it encompasses shares acquired by subscription in private placements and public offerings and acquisitions of shares from existing shareholders. Aggregate foreign investment in the Bank from all sources is allowed up to a maximum of 74.0% of the paid-up capital of the Bank. At least 26.0% of the paid-up capital would have to be held by Indian residents.

 

   

Under the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Equity Shares (through Depositary Receipt Mechanism) Scheme, 1993, foreign investors may purchase ADSs subject to the receipt of all necessary government approvals at the time the depositary receipt program is set up. With a view to liberalizing the operational procedures, the Government of India’s Ministry of Finance and the RBI have granted a general approval to ADS issues, subject to certain restrictions. However, price of offering is determined by the lead manager of the offering. The issue of ADSs must be made at a price that is not lower than the average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the related shares quoted on the stock exchange during the two weeks preceding the relevant date. The relevant date is the date of the meeting in which the board of the company or the committee of directors duly authorized by the board of the company decides to open the proposed issue. This pricing requirement will be dispensed with if the ADSs are offered simultaneously with or within 30 days of a domestic offering of equity shares and if the ADSs are priced at or above the price of the domestic offering. Companies contemplating such a simultaneous or immediately follow-on offering must obtain prior approval of SEBI and must make the follow-on offering within 30 days.

 

   

Under the portfolio investment scheme, foreign institutional investors, subject to registration with SEBI and the RBI, may hold in aggregate up to 24.0% of the paid-up equity capital of a company (including a private sector banking company). Subject to a resolution of the board of directors, a special resolution of the shareholders and prior notification to the RBI, this limit may be raised to 49.0% of the total issued capital of a private sector banking company; Furthermore, no single foreign institutional investor may own more than 10.0% of the total issued capital of the company. A foreign corporate or individual sub-account of the foreign institutional investor may not hold more than 5.0% of the total issued capital of a company; though a broad-based sub-account may hold up to and including 10.0% of the total issued capital of a company. No single non-resident Indian may own more than 5.0% of the total issued capital of the company and aggregate limit cannot exceed 10.0% of the total paid up capital. However, non-resident Indians holdings can be allowed up to 24.0% of the total paid-up capital provided the banking company passes a special resolution of the shareholders to that effect and gives prior notification to the RBI. In addition, overseas corporate bodies (i.e. entities in which non-resident Indians hold atleast 60%) are not permitted to invest under the portfolio investment scheme though they may continue to hold investments that have already been made under the portfolio investment scheme until such time as these investments are sold on the stock exchange.

SEBI, through the SEBI (Foreign Institutional Investors) Regulations 1995, has provided that a foreign institutional investor (“FII”) may issue, deal in or hold offshore derivative instruments such as participatory notes, equity-linked notes or any other similar instruments against underlying securities, listed or proposed to be listed on any stock exchange in India, only in favor of those entities that are regulated by any regulatory authority in the countries of their incorporation or establishment, subject to compliance with the “know your client” requirement. The FII is also required to ensure that no further issue or transfer of any off-shore derivative instrument is made to any person other than a regulated entity. Sub-accounts cannot issue offshore derivative instruments. Also, SEBI, has broadened the scope of who can apply in order to be granted a registration and the criteria that would be followed and has stated that a foreign institutional investor shall be responsible and liable for all acts of commission and omission of all its sub-accounts and other deeds and things done by such sub-accounts in their capacity as sub-accounts under these regulations.

Investors in ADSs do not need to seek the specific approval from the Government of India to purchase, hold or dispose of their ADSs. In our ADSs offering, we obtained the in-principle approval of the relevant stock exchanges for listing of the equity shares underlying the ADSs. We were not required to obtain the prior approval of the FIPB or the RBI. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a FII, non-resident Indian or overseas corporate body were to withdraw its equity shares from the ADS program, its investment in the equity shares would be subject to the general restrictions on foreign ownership noted above and may be subject to the portfolio investment restrictions, including the portfolio investment limitations mentioned above. Secondary purchases of securities of Indian companies in India by foreign direct investors or investments by non-resident Indians, persons of Indian origin, overseas corporate bodies and foreign institutional investors above the FDI ownership levels set forth above require the Government of India’s approval on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, if an investor withdraws equity shares from the ADS program and its direct or indirect holding in us is equal to or exceeds 25.0% of our total equity, such investor may be required to make a public offer to the remaining shareholders under the Takeover Code.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

It is possible to read and copy documents referred to in this annual report on Form 20-F that have been filed with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and the copy charges. The SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of HDFC Bank Limited, (the “Bank”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Bank’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Bank’s management, its Audit Committee and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any internal control or system of control, however well designed, including the possibility of human error and the possible circumvention or overriding of such controls or systems. Moreover, because of changing conditions, the reliability of internal controls may vary over time. As a result, even effective internal controls can provide no more than reasonable assurance with respect to the accuracy and completeness of financial statements and their process of preparation.

The Bank management assessed the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013. In making this assessment, it has used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on those criteria and our assessment we believe that, as of March 31, 2013, the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The Bank’s independent public accountant, Deloitte Haskins & Sells, has issued an audit report on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting.

HDFC BANK LIMITED

HDFC Bank House,

Senapati BapatMarg,

Lower Parel,

Mumbai 400 013, India.

July 29, 2013

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

HDFC Bank Limited

Mumbai, India

We have audited the Internal Control over Financial Reporting of HDFC Bank Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Bank”) as of March 31, 2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Bank’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Item 15 under Controls and Procedures of the accompanying Form 20-F titled Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Bank’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Bank maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2013 of the Bank and our report dated July 29, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Deloitte Haskins & Sells

Chartered Accountants

Mumbai, India

July 29, 2013

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Consolidated Financial Statements of HDFC Bank Limited and its Subsidiaries:

  

Report of independent registered public accounting firm

     F-2   

Consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and 2013

     F-3   

Consolidated statements of income for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-4   

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended March  31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-5   

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-6   

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the years ended March  31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-8   

Notes to consolidated financial statements

     F-10   

 

F-1


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

HDFC Bank Limited

Mumbai, India

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HDFC Bank Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Bank”) as of March 31, 2012 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, statements of comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HDFC Bank Limited and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2012 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 29, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting.

Our audit for the year ended and as of March 31, 2013, also comprehended the translation of Indian Rupee amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2(y). Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers in the United States of America.

s/ Deloitte Haskins & Sells

Chartered Accountants

Mumbai, India

July 29, 2013

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012     2013      2013  
     (In millions, except number of shares)  

ASSETS:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

   Rs. 188,043.0      Rs. 218,740.2       US$ 4,012.1   

Term placements

     150,096.5        199,265.7         3,654.9   

Investments held for trading, at fair value

     77,043.4        87,383.5         1,602.8   

Investments available for sale, at fair value (includes restricted investments of Rs. 544,169.2 and Rs. 805,912.3 (US$ 14,782.0), respectively)

     807,080.4        1,018,071.5         18,673.4   

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     20,868.3        67,000.0         1,228.9   

Loans (net of allowance of Rs. 27,906.9 and Rs. 33,694.2 (US$ 618.0), respectively)

     2,006,374.3        2,504,551.6         45,938.2   

Accrued interest receivable

     26,645.5        34,370.9         630.4   

Property and equipment, net

     24,960.9        28,978.4         531.5   

Intangible assets, net

     4,074.0        1,769.5         32.5   

Goodwill

     74,937.9        74,937.9         1,374.5   

Other assets

     191,031.5        135,836.9         2,491.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   Rs. 3,571,155.7      Rs. 4,370,906.1       US$ 80,170.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

       

Liabilities:

       

Interest-bearing deposits

   Rs. 2,012,057.9      Rs. 2,438,262.0       US$ 44,722.3   

Non-interest-bearing deposits

     452,991.7        522,271.9         9,579.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

     2,465,049.6        2,960,533.9         54,301.8   

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

     70,000.0        205,000.0         3,760.1   

Short-term borrowings

     112,642.8        145,617.2         2,670.9   

Accrued interest payable

     51,935.9        58,135.2         1,066.3   

Long-term debt

     178,366.6        295,219.7         5,414.9   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     296,568.1        236,022.2         4,329.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   Rs. 3,174,563.0      Rs. 3,900,528.2       US$ 71,543.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (see note 27)

       

Shareholders’ equity:

       

Equity shares: par value—Rs. 2.0 each; authorized 2,750,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,346,688,270 shares and 2,379,419,030 shares, as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively (see note 1)

   Rs. 4,693.4      Rs. 4,758.8       US$ 87.3   

Additional paid-in capital

     244,564.7        259,966.3         4,768.3   

Advance received pending allotment of shares

     —          221.5         4.1   

Retained earnings

     99,761.6        132,773.3         2,435.3   

Statutory reserve

     53,248.3        70,269.0         1,288.9   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (7,212.8     485.4         8.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total HDFC Bank Limited shareholders’ equity

     395,055.2        468,474.3         8,592.8   

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries

     1,537.5        1,903.6         34.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     396,592.7        470,377.9         8,627.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   Rs. 3,571,155.7      Rs. 4,370,906.1       US$ 80,170.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions, except share and per share amounts)  

Interest and dividend revenue:

        

Loans

   Rs. 153,719.7      Rs. 210,315.7      Rs. 271,730.5      US$ 4,984.1   

Trading securities

     3,013.8        4,056.2        5,780.0        106.0   

Available for sale securities

     40,739.8        56,621.0        66,554.2        1,220.7   

Other

     4,778.7        6,547.1        9,813.8        180.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest and dividend revenue

     202,252.0        277,540.0        353,878.5        6,490.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense:

        

Deposits

     80,216.3        126,783.1        163,092.7        2,991.4   

Short-term borrowings

     5,357.1        12,233.8        13,888.4        254.7   

Long-term debt

     8,224.9        11,988.5        19,556.9        358.7   

Other

     51.4        142.6        264.0        4.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

     93,849.7        151,148.0        196,802.0        3,609.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest revenue

     108,402.3        126,392.0        157,076.5        2,881.2   

Provision for credit losses

     9,621.9        7,837.3        12,688.0        232.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses

     98,780.4        118,554.7        144,388.5        2,648.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-interest revenue, net:

        

Fees and commissions

     38,718.9        44,867.2        53,989.6        990.2   

Trading securities gain/(loss), net

     (598.3 )     (154.7 )     105.0        1.9   

Realized gain/(loss) on sales of available for sale securities, net

     375.7        (1,315.1 )     2,227.8        40.9   

Other than temporary impairment losses on available for sale securities

     (186.7 )     (1,299.2 )     (1,546.3 )     (28.4 )

Foreign exchange transactions

     12,283.4        7,531.5        9,727.0        178.4   

Derivatives gain/(loss), net

     (3,873.8 )     2,788.7        241.9        4.4   

Other, net

     96.2        177.1        432.4        7.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest revenue, net

     46,815.4        52,595.5        65,177.4        1,195.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue, net

     145,595.8        171,150.2        209,565.9        3,843.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-interest expense:

        

Salaries and staff benefits

     37,865.6        45,791.3        53,954.1        989.6   

Premises and equipment

     12,419.8        14,595.1        17,391.4        319.0   

Depreciation and amortization

     5,138.6        5,588.7        6,686.2        122.6   

Administrative and other

     24,387.6        29,009.5        37,254.9        683.3   

Amortization of intangible assets

     2,558.6        2,328.9        2,304.5        42.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest expense

     82,370.2        97,313.5        117,591.1        2,156.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

     63,225.6        73,836.7        91,974.8        1,687.0   

Income tax expense

     21,698.3        23,828.7        29,840.1        547.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income before noncontrolling interest

   Rs. 41,527.3      Rs. 50,008.0      Rs. 62,134.7      US$ 1,139.7   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     330.4        224.6        315.3        5.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to HDFC Bank Limited

   Rs. 41,196.9      Rs. 49,783.4      Rs. 61,819.4      US$ 1,133.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per share information:

        

Earnings per equity share—basic

   Rs. 17.84      Rs. 21.30      Rs. 26.18      US$ 0.48   

Earnings per equity share—diluted

   Rs. 17.59      Rs. 21.12      Rs. 25.91      US$ 0.47   

Per ADS information (where 1 ADS represents 3 shares):

        

Earnings per ADS—basic

   Rs. 53.52      Rs. 63.90      Rs. 78.54      US$ 1.44   

Earnings per ADS—diluted

   Rs. 52.77      Rs. 63.36      Rs. 77.73      US$ 1.41   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Net income before noncontrolling interest

   Rs. 41,527.3      Rs. 50,008.0      Rs. 62,134.7      US$ 1,139.7   

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

        

Foreign currency translation reserve:

      

Net unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period

     (36.1     253.6        60.9        1.1   

Reclassification of net gain (loss) included in net income

     —          —          —          —     

Available for sale securities:

      

Net unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period [net of tax Rs. (2,402.1), Rs. (782.3) and Rs.3,771.9, respectively]

     (4,832.9     (1,829.9 )     7,853.4        144.0   

Net unrealized gain (loss) reclassified to earnings [net of tax Rs. ( 320.7 ), Rs. 36.5 and Rs. (103.8) respectively]

     (644.8     76.0        (216.1 )     (4.0 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     (5,513.8     (1,500.3     7,698.2        141.1   

Total comprehensive income

     36,013.5        48,507.7        69,832.9        1,280.8   

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

     330.4        224.6        315.3        5.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to HDFC Bank Limited

     35,683.1        48,283.1        69,517.6        1,275.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income before noncontrolling interest

   Rs. 41,527.3      Rs. 50,008.0      Rs. 62,134.7      US$ 1,139.7   

Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

        

Provision for credit losses

     9,621.9        7,837.3        12,688.0        232.7   

Depreciation and amortization

     5,138.6        5,588.7        6,686.2        122.6   

Amortization of intangibles

     2,558.6        2,328.9        2,304.5        42.3   

Amortization of deferred acquisition costs

     3,986.7        4,608.8        3,748.7        68.8   

Amortization of premium (discount) on investments

     1,698.5        324.1        (886.8     (16.3

Other than temporary impairment of investment

     186.7        1,299.2        1,546.3        28.4   

Provision for deferred income taxes

     (1,207.1     (1,950.0     (4,881.7 )     (89.5 )

Share-based compensation expense

     3,407.7        3,887.7        4,533.7        83.2   

Net realized (gain) loss on sale of available for sale securities

     (375.7     1,315.1        (2,227.8 )     (40.9 )

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment, net

     8.8        (12.6 )     10.2        0.2   

Exchange (gain) loss

     485.0        (3,089.5 )     (2,197.9 )     (40.4 )

Net change in:

        

Investments held for trading

     (10,058.1 )     (43,305.8     (11,200.8 )     (205.4 )

Accrued interest receivable

     (5,987.0     (6,885.6 )     (7,725.5 )     (141.7 )

Other assets

     2,563.2        (59,217.5 )     48,090.2        882.0   

Accrued interest payable

     7,783.3        24,180.8        6,201.2        113.7   

Accrued expense and other liabilities

     (11,221.8     50,574.7        (47,309.7 )     (867.9 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     50,116.6        37,492.3        71,513.5        1,311.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

        

Net change in term placements

     (43,925.1     (48,174.4     (49,169.2 )     (901.9 )

Activity in available for sale securities:

        

Purchases

     (365,974.2     (553,510.4     (743,212.7 )     (13,631.9

Proceeds from sales

     32,172.5        9,078.8        72,607.2        1,331.8  

Maturities, prepayments and calls

     176,740.8        363,100.6        470,598.0        8,631.7   

Net change in repurchase options and reverse repurchase options

     80,000.0        (10,868.3 )     88,868.3        1,630.0   

Loans purchased

     (65,074.6     (57,263.2     (51,644.0 )     (947.2 )

Repayments on loans purchased

     28,245.7        41,302.5        40,596.8        744.6   

Increase in loans originated, net of principal collections

     (303,115.8     (379,906.4     (503,662.9 )     (9,238.1 )

Additions to property and equipment

     (5,836.1     (7,924.5     (9,994.1 )     (183.3 )

Proceeds from sale or disposal of property and equipment

     90.8        46.0        43.1        0.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (466,676.0     (644,119.3     (684,969.5 )     (12,563.5 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

F-6


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Net increase in deposits

     409,794.4        385,202.5        493,240.6        9,047.0   

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

     (21,185.6 )     38,641.2        33,123.4        607.5   

Proceeds from issue of shares by a subsidiary to noncontrolling interests

     113.7        12.3        34.6        0.6   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     22,687.8        88,329.3        162,705.7        2,984.3   

Repayment of long-term debt

     (5,312.5     (6,188.1     (45,875.4 )     (841.4 )

Proceeds from issuance of equity shares for options exercised

     8,281.6        5,302.8        10,949.5        200.8   

Proceeds from application for issuance of equity shares for options exercised pending allotment

     —         —          221.5        4.1   

Payment of dividends and dividend tax

     (6,440.9     (8,947.6     (11,787.0 )     (216.2 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     407,938.5        502,352.4        642,612.9        11,786.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (35.5     3,415.5        1,540.3        28.3   

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (8,656.4      (100,859.1     30,697.2        563.0   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     297,558.5        288,902.1        188,043.0        3,449.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   Rs. 288,902.1      Rs. 188,043.0      Rs. 218,740.2      US$ 4,012.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplementary cash flow information:

        

Interest paid

   Rs. 86,067.9      Rs. 126,958.1      Rs. 190,602.7      US$ 3,496.0   

Income taxes paid

   Rs. 23,206.0      Rs. 28,180.1      Rs. 38,348.8      US$ 703.4   

Non-cash investment activities

        

Payable for purchase of property and equipment

   Rs. 533.9      Rs. 311.6      Rs. 1,074.4      US$ 19.7   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-7


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     Number of
Equity
Shares
     Equity
Share
Capital
     Additional
Paid In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
     Statutory
Reserve*
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
     Total HDFC
Bank
Limited
Shareholders
Equity
     Noncontrolling
interest
     Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
(In millions, except for equity shares)  

Balance at March 31, 2010

     2,288,716,360       Rs. 4,577.4       Rs. 223,784.9       Rs. 47,059.1       Rs. 30,359.0         Rs. (198.7)      Rs. 305,581.7       Rs. 872.5       Rs. 306,454.2   

Shares issued upon exercise of options

     37,412,060         74.8         8,206.8                  8,281.6            8,281.6   

Share-based compensation

           3,407.7                  3,407.7            3,407.7   

Dividends, including dividend tax

              (6,440.9)              (6,440.9)           (6,440.9)  

Change in ownership interest in subsidiary

           (21.5)                 (21.5)        21.5         —     

Shares issued to non-controlling interest

                          113.7         113.7   

Transfer to statutory reserve

              (9,869.0)        9,869.0               

Net income

              41,196.9               41,196.9         330.4         41,527.3   

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income

                    (5,513.8)        (5,513.8)           (5,513.8)  

Balance at March 31, 2011

     2,326,128,420       Rs. 4,652.2       Rs. 235,377.9       Rs. 71,946.1       Rs. 40,228.0         Rs.(5,712.5)        Rs.346,491.7       Rs. 1,338.1       Rs. 347,829.8   

Shares issued upon exercise of options

     20,559,850         41.2         5,261.6                  5,302.8            5,302.8   

Share-based compensation

           3,887.7                  3,887.7            3,887.7   

Dividends, including dividend tax

              (8,947.6)              (8,947.6)           (8,947.6)   

Change in ownership interest in subsidiary

           37.5                  37.5         (37.5)        —     

Shares issued to non-controlling interest

                       —           12.3         12.3   

Transfer to statutory reserve

              (13,020.3)        13,020.3            —              —     

Net income

              49,783.4               49,783.4         224.6         50,008.0   

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income

                    (1,500.3)        (1,500.3)           (1,500.3)  

Balance at March 31, 2012

     2,346,688,270       Rs. 4,693.4       Rs. 244,564.7       Rs. 99,761.6       Rs. 53,248.3         Rs.(7,212.8)        Rs.395,055.2       Rs. 1,537.5       Rs. 396,592.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-8


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY—(Continued)

 

    Number of
Equity
Shares
    Equity
Share
Capital
    Additional
Paid In
Capital
    Advance
received
pending
allotment
of shares
    Retained
Earnings
    Statutory
Reserve*
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
    Total HDFC
Bank
Limited
Shareholders
Equity
    Noncontrolling
interest
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance at March 31, 2012

    2,346,688,270      Rs. 4,693.4      Rs. 244,564.7      Rs. —        Rs. 99,761.6      Rs. 53,248.3        Rs.     (7,212.8)     Rs. 395,055.2      Rs. 1,537.5      Rs. 396,592.7   

Shares issued upon exercise of options

    32,730,760        65.4        10,884.1                10,949.5          10,949.5   

Share-based compensation

        4,533.7                4,533.7          4,533.7   

Advances received pending allotment of shares

          221.5              221.5          221.5   

Dividends, including dividend tax

            (11,787.0 )         (11,787.0 )       (11,787.0 )

Change in ownership interest in subsidiary

        (16.2             (16.2 )     16.2        —     

Shares issued to non-controlling interest

                  —          34.6        34.6   

Transfer to statutory reserve

            (17,020.7 )     17,020.7          —            —     

Net income

            61,819.4            61,819.4        315.3        62,134.7   

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income

                7,698.2        7,698.2          7,698.2   

Balance at March 31, 2013

    2,379,419,030      Rs. 4,758.8      Rs. 259,966.3      Rs. 221.5      Rs. 132,773.3      Rs. 70,269.0      Rs. 485.4      Rs. 468,474.3      Rs. 1,903.6      Rs. 470,377.9   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2013

    2,379,419,030      US$ 87.3      US$ 4,768.3      US$ 4.1      US$ 2,435.3      US$ 1,288.9      US$ 8.9      US$ 8,592.8      US$ 34.9      US$ 8,627.7   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* In terms of local regulations the Bank is required to transfer 25% of its profit after tax (Indian GAAP ) to a non-distributable statutory reserve and to meet certain other conditions in order to pay dividends without prior RBI approval

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-9


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Bank overview

HDFC Bank Limited (the “Bank”) was incorporated in August 1994 with its registered office in Mumbai, India. The Bank is a banking company governed by India’s Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The Bank’s shares are listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd. and The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., its ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and its GDRs are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

The Bank’s largest shareholder is Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (“HDFC Limited”), which, along with its subsidiaries, owns 22.8% of the Bank’s equity as of March 31, 2013. The remainder of the Bank’s equity is widely held by the public and by foreign and Indian institutional investors.

By a special resolution on July 6, 2011, the shareholders of the Bank approved a stock split resulting in a reduction in the par value of each equity share from Rs.10.0 to Rs. 2.0 per equity share effective as of July 16, 2011. All share/ADS and per share/ADS data have been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of stock split. One ADS continues to represent three shares.

The Bank’s principal business activities are retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury services. The Bank’s retail banking division provides a variety of deposit products as well as loans, credit cards, debit cards, third-party mutual funds and insurance, investment advisory services, depositary services, trade finance, foreign exchange and derivative services and sale of gold bars. Through its wholesale banking operations, the Bank provides loans, deposit products, documentary credits, guarantees, bullion trading, foreign exchange, and derivative products. It also provides cash management services, clearing and settlement services for stock exchanges, tax and other collections for the government, custody services for mutual funds and correspondent banking services. The Bank’s treasury group manages its debt securities and money market operations and its foreign exchange and derivative products.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

a. Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HDFC Bank Limited and its subsidiaries. The Bank consolidates subsidiaries in which, directly or indirectly, it holds more than 50% of the voting rights or has control. Entities where the Bank holds 20% to 50% of the voting rights and/or has the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. These investments are included in other assets and the Bank’s proportionate share of income or loss is included in Non-interest revenue, other. The Bank consolidates Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) where the Bank is determined to be the primary beneficiary under Financial Accounting Standard Board Accounting Standard Codification “FASB ASC” Topic 810 “Consolidations”. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

b. Basis of presentation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). US GAAP differs in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in India, the requirements of India’s Banking Regulation Act and related regulations issued by the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”) (collectively “Indian GAAP”), which form the basis of the statutory general purpose financial statements of the Bank in India. Principal differences insofar as they relate to the Bank include: determination of the allowance for credit losses, classification and valuation of investments, accounting for deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation, employee benefits, loan origination fees, derivative financial instruments, business combination and the presentation format and disclosures of the financial statements and related notes.

c. Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of these financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the years presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates included in these financial statements that are susceptible to change include the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of unquoted investments, other than temporary impairment, valuation of derivatives, stock-based compensation and impairment assessment of goodwill.

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

d. Cash and cash equivalents

The Bank considers all highly liquid financial instruments, which are readily convertible into cash and have original maturities of three months or less on the date of purchase, to be cash equivalents.

e. Customer acquisition costs

Customer acquisition costs principally consist of commissions paid to third party referral agents who obtain retail loans and such costs are deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment over the life of the loans. Advertising and marketing expenses incurred to solicit new business are expensed as incurred.

f. Investments in securities

Investments consist of securities purchased as part of the Bank’s treasury operations, such as government securities and other debt and equity securities, and investments purchased as part of the Bank’s wholesale banking operations, such as credit substitute securities issued by the Bank’s wholesale banking customers.

Credit substitute securities typically consist of commercial paper and short-term debentures issued by the same customers with whom the Bank has a lending relationship in its wholesale banking business. Investment decisions for credit substitute securities are subject to the same credit approval processes as for loans, and the Bank bears the same customer credit risk as it does for loans extended to those customers. Additionally, the yield and maturity terms are generally directly negotiated by the Bank with the issuer. As the Bank’s exposures to such securities are similar to its exposures on its loan portfolio, additional disclosures have been provided on impairment status in Note 8 and on concentrations of credit risk in Note 12.

All other securities including mortgage and asset-backed securities are actively managed as part of the Bank’s treasury operations. The issuers of such securities are either government, public financial institutions or private issuers. These investments are typically purchased from the market, and debt securities are generally publicly rated.

Securities that are held principally for resale in the near term are classified as held for trading (“HFT”) and are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity (“HTM”) and are carried at amortized cost.

Equity securities with readily determinable fair values and all debt securities that are not classified as HTM or HFT are classified as available for sale (“AFS”) and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on such securities, net of applicable taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Fair values are based on market quotations where a market quotation is available or otherwise based on present values at current interest rates for such investments.

Where management determines that an HTM security’s credit rating has been irrevocably downgraded, and continued holding to maturity is likely to result in increased losses, it transfers the security to AFS or sells the security at the best available price.

Transfers between categories are recorded at fair value on the date of the transfer.

g. Impairment of securities

Declines in the fair values of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their carrying value that are other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses, based on management’s best estimate of the fair value of the investment. The Bank identifies other than temporary declines based on an evaluation of all significant factors, including the length of time and extent to which fair value is less than carrying value and the financial condition and economic prospects of the issuer. Estimates of any declines in the fair values of credit substitute securities that are other than temporary are measured on a case-by-case basis together with loans to those customers. The Bank does not recognize an impairment for debt securities if the cause of the decline is related solely to interest rate increase and the Bank does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Bank will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

h. Loans

The Bank grants retail and wholesale loans to customers.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for an allowance for credit losses.

Interest is accrued on the unpaid principal balance and is included in interest income. Loans are placed on “non-accrual” status when interest or principal payments are past due for a specified period, at which time no further interest is accrued and overdue interest is written off against interest income. Interest income on loans placed on non-accrual status is recognized when received. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans are placed on “non-accrual” status when interest or principal payments are one quarter past due.

i. Allowance for credit losses

The Bank provides an allowance for credit losses based on management’s best estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio which includes troubled debt restructuring. The allowance for credit losses consists of allowances for retail loans and wholesale loans.

Retail

The Bank’s retail loan loss allowance consists of specific and unallocated allowances.

The Bank establishes a specific allowance on the retail loan portfolio based on factors such as the nature of the product, delinquency levels or the number of days the loan is past due and the nature of the security available. Additionally the Bank monitors loan to value ratios for loan against securities. The loans are charged off against allowances typically when the account becomes 150 to 1,083 days past due depending on the type of loans. The defined delinquency levels at which major loan types are charged off are 150 days past due for personal loans and credit card receivables, 180 days past due for auto loans, commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance, 720 days past due for housing loans and on a customer by customer basis in respect of retail business banking when management believes that any future cash flows from these loans are remote including realization of collateral, if applicable, and where any restructuring or any other settlement arrangements are not feasible.

The Bank also records unallocated allowances for its retail loans by product type. The Bank’s retail loan portfolio is comprised of groups of large numbers of small value homogeneous loans. The Bank establishes an unallocated allowance for loans in each product group based on its estimate of the overall portfolio quality, asset growth, economic conditions and other risk factors. The Bank estimates its unallocated allowance for retail loans based on an internal credit slippage matrix, which measures the Bank’s historic losses for its standard loan portfolio. Subsequent recoveries, if any, against write-off cases, are adjusted to provision for credit losses in the consolidated statement of income.

Wholesale

The allowance for wholesale loans consists of specific and unallocated components. The allowance for such credit losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s view of the probability of recovery of loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, factors affecting the industry which the loan exposure relates to and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes that the loan balance cannot be recovered. Subsequent recoveries, if any, against write-off cases, are adjusted to provision for credit losses in the consolidated statement of income.

The Bank grades its wholesale loan accounts considering both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Wholesale loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, the financial condition of the borrower, the value of collateral held, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.

The Bank establishes specific allowances for each impaired wholesale loan customer in the aggregate for all facilities, including term loans, cash credits, bills discounted and lease finance, based on either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the net realizable value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Wholesale loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not classified as impaired but are placed on a surveillance watch list and closely monitored for deterioration. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, market information, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

In light of the significant growth in the size and diversity of its wholesale loan portfolio, the Bank has also established an unallocated allowance for wholesale standard loans based on the overall portfolio quality, asset growth, economic conditions and other risk factors. The Bank estimates its wholesale unallocated allowance based on an internal credit slippage matrix, which measures the Bank’s historic losses for its standard loan portfolio.

j. Sales/transfer of receivables

The Bank enters into assignment transactions, which are similar to asset-backed securitization transactions through the SPE route, except that such portfolios of receivables are assigned directly to the purchaser and are not represented by pass-through certificates. The Bank also sells finance receivables to special purpose entities (SPEs), formerly qualifying special purpose entities (QSPEs) in securitization transactions. Recourse is in the form of the Bank’s investment in subordinated securities issued by these SPEs, cash collateral and other credit and liquidity enhancements. The receivables are derecognized in the balance sheet when they are sold and consideration has been received by the Bank. Sales and transfers that do not meet the criteria for surrender of control are accounted for as secured borrowings.

Effective April 1, 2010, upon adoption of ASU 2009-16, the Bank first makes a determination as to whether the securitization entity would be consolidated. Second, it determines whether the transfer of financial assets is considered a sale. Furthermore, former qualifying special purpose entities (QSPEs) are now considered VIEs and are no longer exempt from consolidation. The Bank consolidates VIEs when it has both: (1) power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (2) an obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Gains or losses from the sale of receivables are recognized in the income statement in the period the sale occurs based on the relative fair value of the portion sold and the portion allocated to retained interests, and are reported net of the estimated cost of servicing by the Bank.

Fair values are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows, using best estimates for key assumptions, such as prepayment and discount rates, commensurate with the risk involved.

k. Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of fixed assets on a straight-line basis at the following rates:

 

Type of Asset

   Rate of depreciation  

Premises

     1.63%   

Software and systems

     20.00%   

Equipment and furniture

     10.00%-33.33%   

For assets purchased and sold during the year, depreciation is provided on a pro rata basis by the Bank and capital advances are included in other assets.

l. Impairment or disposal of tangible long-lived assets

Whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of tangible long lived assets may not be recoverable, the Bank subjects such long lived assets to a test of recoverability based on the undiscounted cash flows from use or disposition of the asset. Such events or circumstances would include changes in the market, technology obsolescence, adverse changes in profitability or regulation. If the asset is impaired, the Bank recognizes an impairment loss estimated as the difference between the carrying value and the net realizable value.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

m. Income tax

Income tax expense/benefit consists of the current tax provision and the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability in the year.

The Bank’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. Interest income or expenses on overpayments and underpayments of income taxes are included as an element of provision for income taxes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be received or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the income statement in the period of enactment of the change.

Under FASB ASC 740, income tax benefits are recognized and measured based upon a two-step model: 1) a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be recognized, and 2) the benefit is measured as the largest amount of that position that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon settlement. The difference between the benefit recognized for a position in accordance with this model and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit.

n. Revenue recognition

Interest income from loans and from investments is recognized on an accrual basis using effective interest method when earned except in respect of loans or investments placed on non-accrual status, where it is recognized when received. The Bank generally does not charge upfront loan origination fees. Nominal application fees are charged which offset the related costs incurred.

Fees and commissions from guarantees issued are amortized over the contractual period of the commitment, provided the amounts are collectible.

Dividends from investments are recognized when declared.

Realized gains and losses on sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the weighted average cost method.

Other fees and income are recognized when earned, which is when the service that results in the income has been provided. The Bank amortizes annual fees on credit cards over the contractual period of the fees.

o. Foreign currency transactions

The Bank’s functional currency is the Indian Rupee, except for the Bank’s foreign branches. Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are converted into respective functional currency using exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet dates. Gains and losses arising on conversion of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and on foreign currency transactions are included in the determination of net income.

For the foreign branches, the assets, liabilities and operations are translated, for consolidation purposes, from functional currency of the foreign branch to the Indian Rupee reporting currency at period-end rates for assets and liabilities and at average rates for operations. The resulting unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated OCI.

p. Stock-based compensation

The fair value of stock-based compensation is estimated on the date of each grant based on a pricing model. For further information, see note 22.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

q. Debt issuance costs

Issuance costs of long-term debt are amortized over the tenure of the debt.

r. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per equity share have been computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per equity share has been computed using the weighted average number of equity shares and dilutive potential equity shares outstanding during the period, using the treasury stock method, except where the result would be anti-dilutive. The Bank also reports basic and diluted earnings per ADS, where each ADS represents three equity shares. Earnings per ADS have been computed as earnings per equity share multiplied by the number of equity shares per ADS. A reconciliation of the number of shares used in computing earnings per share has been provided in Note 30.

s. Segment information

The Bank operates in three reportable segments, namely retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury services. Segment-wise information has been provided in Note 26.

t. Derivative financial instruments

The Bank recognizes all derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measures them at fair value. The Bank has not designated any derivatives as hedges. As such, all changes in fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in net income in the period of change.

The Bank enters into forward exchange contracts, currency swaps and currency options with its customers and typically transfers such customer exposures in the inter-bank foreign exchange markets. The Bank also enters into such instruments to cover its own foreign exchange exposures. All such instruments are carried at fair value, determined based on market quotations or market-based inputs.

The Bank enters into interest rate swaps for its own account. The Bank also enters into interest rate currency swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps with its customers and typically transfers these off in the inter-bank market. Such contracts are carried on the balance sheet at fair value, or priced using market determined yield curves.

u. Business combination

The Bank accounts for acquired businesses using the purchase method of accounting which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. The application of the purchase method requires certain estimates and assumptions, especially concerning the determination of the fair values of the acquired intangible and tangible assets, as well as the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition. The judgments made in the context of the purchase price allocation can materially impact our future results of operations. The valuations are based on information available at the acquisition date. Purchase consideration in excess of bank’s interest and the acquiree’s net fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities is recognized as goodwill.

v. Goodwill and other intangibles

Goodwill is tested for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 350-20 ‘Goodwill’. Under applicable accounting guidance, goodwill is reviewed at the reporting unit level for potential impairment at least on an annual basis at the end of the reporting period, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment. This analysis is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step must be performed. The second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated possible impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. The adjustments to measure the assets, liabilities and intangibles at fair value are for the purpose of measuring the implied fair value of goodwill and such adjustments are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheet. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss recognized cannot exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Intangible assets consist of branch network representing contractual and non-contractual customer relationships, customer list, core deposit intangible and favorable leases. These are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets is computed in a manner that best reflects the economic benefits of the intangible assets as follows:

 

    

Useful lives

(years)

  

Amortization

method

 

Branch network

   6      Straight-line   

Customer lists

   2      Straight-line   

Core deposit

   5      Straight-line   

Favorable leases

   1 to 15      Straight-line   

w. Recently adopted accounting standards

In April 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-02, “A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring” (“ASU 2011-02”). This ASU provides evaluation criteria for whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. ASU 2011-02 requires additional disclosures around the nature and extent of modified finance receivables and their effect on the allowance for loan losses, disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses for finance receivables meeting the definition of a troubled debt restructuring in ASU 2011-02. ASU 2011-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011. The Bank adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-02 from April 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-02 did not have a material impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In April 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-03, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements” (“ASU 2011-03”) . This ASU eliminates the requirement for entities to consider whether the transferor (i.e., seller) has the ability to repurchase the financial assets in a repurchase agreement. ASU 2011-03 is effective on a prospective basis to new transactions or modifications for interim or annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Bank adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-03 from April 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-03 did not have a material impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial position or results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2011-04”) which amends the fair value accounting guidance. This ASU clarifies the application of the highest and best use and valuation premise concepts, precludes the application of blockage factors in the valuation of all financial instruments and includes criteria for applying the fair value measurement principles to portfolios of financial instruments. This ASU additionally prescribes enhanced financial statement disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Bank adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-04 effective April 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial position or results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”) which requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements. In December 2011, FASB amended this guidance to defer the changes relating to the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 is effective for interim or annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The Bank adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-05 effective April 1, 2012. Upon adoption of this ASU, the Bank changed the presentation of comprehensive income. The adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”), which amends the guidance in ASC 350-20. Under the revised guidance, entities testing goodwill for impairment have the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step 1 of the goodwill impairment test). If entities determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step impairment test would be required. The Bank adopted the provisions of the said update effective April 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

x. Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Topic 210) (“ASU 2011-11”). ASU 2011-11 requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, which clarifies the scope of ASU 2011-11 by limiting the disclosures to derivatives, repurchase agreements, and securities lending transactions to the extent they are subject to an enforceable master netting or similar arrangement. The Updates will not affect our consolidated financial position or results of operations since they amend only the disclosure requirements for offsetting financial instruments.

In July 2012, FASB issued ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (Topic 350)” (“ASU 2012-02”), which amends the guidance in ASC 350-30. Under the revised guidance, entities testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment have the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing quantitative assessment steps. If based on the qualitative assessment, an entity concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then the entity must complete the quantitative tests to determine if the asset is impaired. If an entity concludes otherwise, quantitative tests are not required. This new guidance will be effective for the interim or annual periods beginning on or after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02, requires an entity to disclose the effect on net income line items from significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and entirely into net income. However, for those reclassifications that are partially or entirely capitalized on the balance sheet, then entities must provide a cross-reference to disclosures that provide information about the effect of the reclassifications. ASU 2013-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

y. Convenience translation

The accompanying financial statements have been expressed in Indian Rupees (“Rs.”), the Bank’s functional currency. For the convenience of the reader, the financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2013 have been translated into U.S. dollars at U.S.$1.00 = Rs. 54.52 as published by the Federal Reserve Board of New York on March 29, 2013. Such translation should not be construed as a representation that the rupee amounts have been or could be converted into United States dollars at that or any other rate, or at all.

3. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 include balances of Rs. 106,841.3 million and Rs. 96,196.8 million, respectively, maintained with the RBI to meet the Bank’s cash reserve ratio requirement. The Bank is required to maintain a specific percentage of its demand and time liabilities by way of a balance in a current account with the RBI. This is to maintain the solvency of the banking system. The cash reserve ratio has to be maintained on an average basis for a two-week period and should not fall below 70% of the required cash reserve ratio on any particular day.

4. Term placements

Term placements consist of placements with banks and financial institutions in the ordinary course of business. These placements have original maturities for periods between 3 months and 15 years. This includes restricted term placements of Rs. 116.7 million (US$ 2.2 million) at March 31, 2013.

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

5. Investments, held for trading

The portfolio of trading securities as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2012  
     Amortized Cost      Gross  Unrealized
Gains
     Gross  Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Government of India securities

   Rs. 41,815.4       Rs. 8.8       Rs. 185.3       Rs. 41,638.9   

Securities issued by Government of India sponsored institutions

     78.1         1.6         —           79.7   

State government securities

     9,379.0         9.4         9.9         9,378.5   

Other corporate/financial institution securities

     7,079.8         41.5         6.5         7,114.8   

Deposit Certificates issued by banks

     18,829.1         3.8         1.4         18,831.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

   Rs. 77,181.4       Rs. 65.1       Rs. 203.1       Rs. 77,043.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     As of March 31, 2013  
     Amortized Cost        

 

Gross Unrealized

Gains

  

  

    

 

Gross Unrealized

Losses

  

  

     Fair Value   
     (In millions)  

Government of India securities

   Rs. 63,468.6       Rs. 134.7       Rs. 58.5       Rs. 63,544.8   

Other corporate/financial institution securities

     13,856.2         11.7         59.1         13,808.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     77,324.8         146.4         117.6         77,353.6   

Other securities-mutual fund units

     10,029.9         —           —           10,029.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 87,354.7       Rs. 146.4       Rs. 117.6       Rs. 87,383.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 1,602.3       US$ 2.7       US$ 2.2       US$ 1,602.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

6. Investments, available for sale

 

The portfolio of available for sale securities as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was as follows:

 

  

  

  
     As of March 31, 2012  
     Amortized Cost      Gross Unrealized
Gains
     Gross Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Government of India securities

   Rs. 764,267.2       Rs. 505.2       Rs. 12,432.3       Rs. 752,340.1   

Securities issued by Government of India sponsored institutions

     376.7         2.3         —           379.0   

State government securities

     251.8         —           1.6         250.2   

Securities issued by state government sponsored institutions

     754.9         —           16.8         738.1   

Credit substitutes (see note 8)

     11,789.8         47.3         36.6         11,800.5   

Other corporate/financial institution bonds

     219.7         27.3         —           247.0   

Certificate of Deposit

     27,235.0         29.4         55.2         27,209.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt securities, other than asset and mortgage-backed securities

     804,895.1         611.5         12,542.5         792,964.1   

Mortgage-backed securities

     3,094.3         222.9         6.3         3,310.9   

Asset-backed securities

     485.3         100.0         —           585.3   

Other securities (including mutual fund units)

     9,557.7         662.4         —           10,220.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 818,032.4       Rs. 1,596.8       Rs. 12,548.8       Rs. 807,080.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Securities with gross unrealized losses

            Rs. 704,464.5   

Securities with gross unrealized gains

              102,615.9   
           

 

 

 
            Rs. 807,080.4   
           

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
     Amortized Cost      Gross  Unrealized
Gains
     Gross  Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Government of India securities

   Rs. 924,701.5       Rs. 2,664.7       Rs. 3,538.9       Rs. 923,827.3   

State government securities

     234.0         0.9         0.2         234.7   

Credit substitutes (see note 8)

     46,596.4         53.3         27.1         46,622.6   

Other corporate/financial institution bonds

     3,655.6         62.3         0.1         3,717.8   

Certificate of Deposit

     18,763.1         66.0         —           18,829.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt securities, other than asset and mortgage-backed securities

     993,950.6         2,847.2         3,566.3         993,231.5   

Mortgage-backed securities

     2,353.3         126.2         4.5         2,475.0   

Asset-backed securities

     5,127.5         142.9         141.7         5,128.7   

Other securities (including mutual fund units)

     16,356.6         879.7         —           17,236.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 1,017,788.0       Rs. 3,996.0       Rs. 3,712.5       Rs. 1,018,071.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 18,668.2       US$ 73.3       US$ 68.1       US$ 18,673.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Securities with gross unrealized losses

            Rs. 687,522.0   

Securities with gross unrealized gains

              330,549.5   
           

 

 

 
            Rs. 1,018,071.5   
           

 

 

 
            US$ 18,673.4   
           

 

 

 

AFS investments of Rs. 752,595.3 million and Rs. 924,062.0 million as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively, are eligible for placement towards the Bank’s statutory liquidity ratio requirements. These balances are subject to withdrawal and usage restrictions, but may be freely traded by the Bank within those restrictions. Of these investments, Rs. 544,169.2 million as of March 31, 2012 and Rs. 805,912.3 million (US$ 14,782.0 million) as of March 31, 2013, respectively, were kept as margins for clearing, collateral borrowing and lending obligation (CBLO) , real time gross settlement (RTGS), with the Reserve Bank of India and other financial institutions.

The Bank conducts a review each year to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of possible impairment. An investment in an equity or debt security is impaired if its fair value falls below its cost and the decline is considered other than temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and whether the Bank intends to sell or will be required to sell the security until the forecasted recovery. The Bank evaluated the impaired investments and has fully recognized an expense of Rs. 186.7 million, Rs. 1,299.2 million and Rs. 1,546.3 million (US$ 28.4 million) as other than temporary impairment in fiscal year 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively, because the Bank intends to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost. The Bank believes that the other unrealized losses on its investments in equity and debt securities as of March 31, 2013 are temporary in nature. The Bank’s review of impairment generally entails:

 

   

identification and evaluation of investments that have indications of possible impairment;

 

   

analysis of individual investments that have fair values of less than 95% of amortized cost, including consideration of the length of time the investment has been in an unrealized loss position;

 

   

analysis of evidential matter, including an evaluation of factors or triggers that would or could cause individual investments to have other than temporary impairment; and

 

   

documentation of the results of these analysis, as required under business policies.

As of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, the Bank did not hold any debt securities with credit losses for which a portion of other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The gross unrealized losses and fair value of available for sale securities at March 31, 2012 was as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2012                
     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or Greater      Total  
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses
 
                   (In millions)                

Government of India securities

   Rs. 197,634.4       Rs. 1,424.1       Rs. 479,755.4       Rs. 11,008.2       Rs. 677,389.8       Rs. 12,432.3   

State government securities

     2.6         0.1         247.5         1.5         250.1         1.6   

Securities issued by state government sponsored institutions

     733.3         16.8         4.9         —          738.2         16.8   

Credit substitutes (see note 8)

     6,545.0         31.0         794.3         5.6         7,339.3         36.6   

Other corporate/financial institution bonds

     —           —           10.0         —          10.0         —     

Certificate of Deposit

     18,504.3         55.2         —           —          18,504.3         55.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt securities, other than asset and mortgage-backed securities

     223,419.6         1,527.2         480,812.1         11,015.3         704,231.7         12,542.5   

Mortgage-backed securities

     232.8         6.3         —           —          232.8         6.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 223,652.4       Rs. 1,533.5       Rs. 480,812.1       Rs. 11,015.3       Rs. 704,464.5       Rs. 12,548.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The gross unrealized losses and fair value of available for sale securities at March 31, 2013 was as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2013                
     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or Greater      Total  
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses
 
                   (In millions)                

Government of India securities

   Rs. 282,968.1       Rs. 274.5       Rs. 372,054.9       Rs. 3,264.4       Rs. 655,023.0       Rs. 3,538.9   

State government securities

     —           —           41.6         0.2         41.6         0.2   

Credit substitutes (see note 8)

     27,280.8         26.3         532.4         0.8         27,813.2         27.1   

Other corporate/financial institution bonds

     9.7         0.1         —           —           9.7         0.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Debt securities, other than asset and mortgage-backed securities

     310,258.6         300.9         372,628.9         3,265.4         682,887.5         3,566.3   

Mortgage-backed securities

     176.1         4.5         —           —           176.1         4.5   

Asset-backed securities

     4,458.4         141.7         —           —           4,458.4         141.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 314,893.1       Rs. 447.1       Rs. 372,628.9       Rs. 3,265.4       Rs. 687,522.0       Rs. 3,712.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 5,775.7       US$ 8.2       US$ 6,834.7       US$ 59.9       US$ 12,610.4       US$ 68.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The contractual residual maturity of available for sale debt securities other than asset and mortgage-backed securities as of March 31, 2013 is set out below:

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
      Amortized Cost      Fair Value      Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Within one year

   Rs. 368,984.1       Rs. 368,909.0       US$ 6,766.5   

Over one year through five years

     401,486.7         399,514.7         7,327.9   

Over five years through ten years

     182,689.6         183,873.2         3,372.6   

Over ten years

     40,790.2         40,934.6         750.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 993,950.6       Rs. 993,231.5       US$ 18,217.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-20


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The contractual residual maturity of available for sale mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities as of March 31, 2013 is set out below:

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
      Amortized Cost      Fair Value      Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Within one year

     Rs. 2,412.9         Rs. 2,399.7       US$
44.0
  

Over one year through five years

     3,818.2         3,777.0         69.3   

Over five years through ten years

     663.0         689.8         12.7   

Over ten years

     586.7         737.2         13.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     Rs. 7,480.8         Rs. 7,603.7       US$  139.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross realized gains and gross realized losses from sales of available for sale securities and dividends and interest on such securities are set out below:

 

     Fiscal year ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Gross realized gains on sale

   Rs. 782.6      Rs. 87.4      Rs. 2,263.6      US$ 41.5   

Gross realized losses on sale

     (406.9     (1,402.5     (35.8     (0.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses), net

     375.7        (1,315.1 )     2,227.8        40.9   

Dividends and interest

     40,739.8        56,621.0        66,554.2        1,220.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 41,115.5      Rs. 55,305.9      Rs. 68,782.0      US$ 1,261.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

7. Investments, held to maturity

There were no HTM securities as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

Under Indian GAAP, transfer from an HTM portfolio to an AFS portfolio are permitted by RBI regulations once every year and the Bank has made transfers in accordance with these regulations. However, the Bank has not established an HTM portfolio under US GAAP and therefore the investment classification made under US GAAP and Indian GAAP varies materially.

8. Credit substitutes

Credit substitutes consist of securities that the Bank invests in as part of an overall extension of credit to certain customers. Such securities share many of the risk and reward characteristics of loans and are managed by the Bank together with other credit facilities extended to the same customers. The fair values of credit substitutes by type of instrument as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013  
      Amortized Cost      Fair Value      Amortized Cost      Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Available for sale credit substitute securities:

           

Debentures

   Rs. 4,001.0       Rs. 4,009.5       Rs. 6,799.0       Rs. 6,820.0   

Commercial paper

     7,788.8         7,791.0         39,797.4         39,802.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 11,789.8       Rs. 11,800.5       Rs. 46,596.4       Rs. 46,622.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         US$ 854.7       US$ 855.1   
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair values of credit substitutes by credit quality indicators and amounts provided for other than temporary impairments is as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Pass

   Rs. 11,800.5       Rs. 46,622.6       US$ 855.1   

Impaired—gross balance

     102.8         500.0         9.2   

Less: amounts provided for other than temporary impairments

     102.8         500.0         9.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Impaired credit substitutes, net

     —          —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total credit substitutes, net

   Rs. 11,800.5       Rs. 46,622.6       US$ 855.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-21


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Impaired credit substitutes

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Gross impaired credit substitutes:

        

— on accrual status

   Rs. —        Rs. —         US$ —     

— on non-accrual status

     102.8         500.0         9.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 102.8       Rs. 500.0       US$ 9.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross impaired credit substitutes by industry:

        

— Textiles & Garments

   Rs. 53.1       Rs. —         US$ —     

— Leather Products

     24.1         —           —     

— Automobile and Auto Ancillary

     22.0         —           —     

— Drugs and Pharmaceuticals

     3.6         —           —     

— Others

     —           500.0         9.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 102.8       Rs. 500.0       US$ 9.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average impaired credit substitutes

   Rs. 51.4       Rs. 250.0       US$ 4.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest income recognized on impaired credit substitutes

   Rs. —        Rs. —         US$ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2013, the Bank has no additional funds committed to borrowers whose credit substitutes were impaired.

9. Repurchase and resell agreements

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repos”) and securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repos”) generally do not constitute a sale for accounting purposes of the underlying securities, and so are treated as collateralized transactions. There were no such transactions accounted for as sales during the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Interest paid or received on all repo and reverse repo transactions is recorded in Interest expense or Interest revenue at the contractually specified rate.

a. Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Securities purchased under agreements to resell are classified separately from investments and generally mature within 14 days of the transaction date. Such resell transactions are recorded at the amount of cash advanced on the transaction. Resell transactions outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were Rs. 20,868.3 and Rs.67,000.0 million, respectively.

b. Securities sold under repurchase agreements

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are classified separately under liabilities and generally mature within 14 days of the transaction date. Such repurchase transactions are recorded at the amount of cash received on the transaction. Repurchase transactions outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were Rs. 70,000.0 and Rs. 205,000.0 million, respectively.

10. Loans

Loan balances include Rs. 64,148.4 million and Rs. 79,371.0 million (US$ 1,455.8) as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively, which have been pledged as collateral for borrowings and are therefore restricted.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Loans by facility as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Retail loans:

        

Auto loans

   Rs. 310,822.5       Rs. 365,974.3       US$ 6,712.7   

Personal loans/ Credit cards

     219,137.9         289,691.1         5,313.5   

Retail business banking

     284,431.5         399,623.1         7,329.8   

Commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance

     228,751.1         274,074.4         5,027.0   

Housing loans

     142,897.4         168,048.6         3,082.3   

Other retail loans

     158,926.4         232,092.2         4,257.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal

   Rs. 1,344,966.8       Rs. 1,729,503.7       US$ 31,722.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Wholesale loans

   Rs. 689,314.4       Rs. 808,742.1       US$ 14,833.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross loans

     2,034,281.2         2,538,245.8         46,556.2   

Less: Allowance for credit losses

     27,906.9         33,694.2         618.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 2,006,374.3       Rs. 2,504,551.6       US$ 45,938.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The contractual residual maturity of gross loans as of March 31, 2013 is set out below:

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
      Wholesale loans      Retail Loans      Total  
     (In millions)  

Maturity profile of loans:

        

Within one year

   Rs. 458,131.3       Rs. 541,093.1       Rs. 999,224.4   

Over one year through five years

     297,660.2         1,028,807.2         1,326,467.4   

Over five years

     52,950.6         159,603.4         212,554.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross loans

   Rs. 808,742.1       Rs. 1,729,503.7       Rs. 2,538,245.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   US$  14,833.9       US$ 31,722.3       US$ 46,556.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross loans analyzed by performance are as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Performing

   Rs. 2,015,246.3       Rs. 2,517,113.7       US$ 46,168.6   

Impaired

     19,034.9         21,132.1         387.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross loans

   Rs. 2,034,281.2       Rs. 2,538,245.8       US$ 46,556.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides details of age analysis of loans as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

 

     As of March 31, 2012  
     31-90 days
past due
     Impaired / 91
days or more past
due
     Total current or  less
than 31 days past due
     Total  
     (in millions)  

Retail Loans

           

Auto loans

   Rs. 1,081.2       Rs. 952.5       Rs. 308,788.8       Rs. 310,822.5   

Personal loans/Credit card

     1,376.2         1,087.4         216,674.3         219,137.9   

Retail business banking

     1,801.9         5,015.4         277,614.2         284,431.5   

Commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance

     2,087.5         1,589.4         225,074.2         228,751.1   

Housing loans

     81.3         402.1         142,414.0         142,897.4   

Other retail

     2,434.4         2,264.5         154,227.5         158,926.4   

Wholesale loans

     1,256.7         7,723.6         680,334.1         689,314.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 10,119.2       Rs. 19,034.9       Rs. 2,005,127.1       Rs. 2,034,281.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-23


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
     31-90 days
past due
     Impaired / 91
days or more past
due
     Total current or  less
than 31 days past due
     Total  
     (in millions)  

Retail Loans

           

Auto loans

   Rs. 1,419.7       Rs. 1,238.7       Rs. 363,315.9       Rs. 365,974.3   

Personal loans/Credit card

     2,346.4         1,550.6         285,794.1         289,691.1   

Retail business banking

     3,466.7         5,790.1         390,366.3         399,623.1   

Commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance

     6,577.8         3,657.9         263,838.7         274,074.4   

Housing loans

     58.4         268.0         167,722.2         168,048.6   

Other retail

     2,263.9         2,073.8         227,754.5         232,092.2   

Wholesale loans

     2,941.8         6,553.0         799,247.3         808,742.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 19,074.7       Rs. 21,132.1       Rs. 2,498,039.0       Rs. 2,538,245.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 349.9       US$ 387.6       US$ 45,818.7       US$ 46,556.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Bank has a credit risk mitigating/monitoring mechanism which is comprised of target market definitions, credit approval process, post-disbursement monitoring and remedial management procedures.

For wholesale credit risk in addition to the credit approval process the Bank has an approved framework for the review and approval of credit ratings. Credit Policies and Procedure articulate credit risk strategy and thereby the approach for credit origination, approval and maintenance. The Credit Policies generally address such areas as target markets, portfolio mix, prudential exposure ceilings, concentration limits, price and non-price terms, structure of limits, approval authorities, exception reporting system, prudential accounting and provisioning norms. These are reviewed in detail at annual or more frequent intervals. To ensure adequate diversification of risk, concentration limits have been set up in terms of borrower/business group, industry and risk grading.

For retail credit the policy and approval process are designed for the fact that we have high volumes of relatively homogeneous, small value transactions in retail loans. There are product programs for each of these products, which define the target markets, credit philosophy and process, detailed underwriting criteria for evaluating individual credits, exception reporting systems and individual loan exposure caps. The quantitative parameters considered include income, residence stability, the nature of the employment/business, while the qualitative parameters include accessibility, contractibility and profile. The credit policies/product programs are based on a statistical analysis of our own experience and industry data, in combination with the judgment of our senior officers. We mine data on our borrower account behavior as well as static data regularly to monitor the portfolio performance of each product segment regularly, and use these as inputs in revising our product programs, target market definitions and credit assessment criteria to meet our twin objectives of combining volume growth and maintenance of asset quality.

As an integral part of the credit process, the Bank has a credit rating model appropriate to its wholesale and retail credit segments (see note 2 i). The Bank monitors credit quality within its segments based on primary credit quality indicators. This internal grading is updated minimum annually.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Retail Loans

Credit quality indicator based on payment activity as of March 31, 2012 and as of March 31, 2013 is given below.

 

     As of March 31, 2012  
     Auto loans      Personal
loans/Credit
card
     Retail business
banking
     Commercial
vehicle and
construction
equipment
finance
     Housing Loans      Other
retail
     Total  
     (In millions)  

Performing

   Rs. 309,870.0       Rs. 218,050.5       Rs. 279,416.1       Rs. 227,161.7       Rs. 142,495.3       Rs. 156,661.9       Rs. 1,333,655.5   

Impaired

     952.5         1,087.4         5,015.4         1,589.4         402.1         2,264.5         11,311.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 310,822.5       Rs. 219,137.9       Rs. 284,431.5       Rs. 228,751.1       Rs. 142,897.4       Rs. 158,926.4       Rs. 1,344,966.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     As of March 31, 2013  
      Auto loans      Personal
loans/Credit
card
     Retail business
banking
     Commercial
vehicle and
construction
equipment
finance
     Housing Loans      Other
retail
     Total  
     (In millions)  

Performing

   Rs. 364,735.6       Rs. 288,140.5       Rs. 393,833.0       Rs. 270,416.5       Rs. 167,780.6       Rs. 230,018.4       Rs. 1,714,924.6   

Impaired

     1,238.7         1,550.6         5,790.1         3,657.9         268.0         2,073.8         14,579.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 365,974.3       Rs. 289,691.1       Rs. 399,623.1       Rs. 274,074.4       Rs. 168,048.6       Rs. 232,092.2       Rs. 1,729,503.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   US$ 6,712.7       US$ 5,313.5       US$ 7,329.8       US$ 5,027.0       US$ 3,082.3       US$ 4,257.0       US$ 31,722.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Wholesale Loans

We have in place a process of grading each borrower according to its financial health and the performance of its business and each borrower is graded as pass/labeled/impaired. Our model assesses the overall risk over four major categories – industry risk, business risk, management risk and financial risk. The inputs in each of the categories are combined to provide an aggregate numerical rating, which is a function of the aggregate weighted scores based on the assessment under each of these four risk categories.

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Credit quality indicators-Internally assigned grade and payment activity

        

Pass

   Rs. 680,542.4       Rs. 800,423.7       US$ 14,681.3   

Labeled

     1,048.4         1,765.4         32.4   

Impaired

     7,723.6         6,553.0         120.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 689,314.4       Rs. 808,742.1       US$ 14,833.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Impaired loans are those for which the Bank believes that it is probable that it will not collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loans and includes troubled debt restructuring. The following table provides details of impaired loans as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

 

     As of March 31, 2012  
      Recorded
investments
     Unpaid
principal
balance
     Related
specific
allowance
     Average  Recorded
investments
     Finance Receivable
on Non  Accrual Basis
 
     (In millions)  

Retail Loans

              

Auto loans

   Rs. 952.5       Rs. 952.5       Rs. 461.7       Rs. 967.6       Rs. 952.5   

Personal loans/ Credit card

     1,087.4         1,087.4         755.9         1,196.2         1,087.4   

Retail business banking

     5,015.4         5,015.4         4,542.7         5,070.8         5,015.4   

Commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance

     1,589.4         1,589.4         978.0         1,159.8         1,589.4   

Housing loans

     402.1         402.1         269.4         425.2         402.1   

Other retail

     2,264.5         2,264.5         1,875.3         2,415.9         2,264.5   

Wholesale loans

     7,723.6         7,723.6         6,433.7         8,613.3         7,099.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 19,034.9       Rs. 19,034.9       Rs. 15,316.7       Rs. 19,848.8       Rs. 18,410.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-25


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Bank holds no recorded impaired loans for which there is no related allowance.

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
      Recorded
investments
     Unpaid
principal
balance
     Related
specific
allowance
     Average  Recorded
investments
     Finance Receivable
on Non  Accrual Basis
 
     (In millions)  

Retail Loans

              

Auto loans

   Rs. 1,238.7       Rs. 1,238.7       Rs. 556.7       Rs. 1,095.6       Rs. 1,238.7   

Personal loans/ Credit card

     1,550.6         1,550.6         1,067.1         1,319.0         1,550.6   

Retail business banking

     5,790.1         5,790.1         5,058.2         5,402.8         5,790.1   

Commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance

     3,657.9         3,657.9         2,094.4         2,623.7         3,657.9   

Housing loans

     268.0         268.0         185.0         335.1         268.0   

Other retail

     2,073.8         2,073.8         1,751.0         2,169.2         2,073.8   

Wholesale loans

     6,553.0         6,553.0         5,754.5         7,138.3         6,299.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 21,132.1       Rs. 21,132.1       Rs. 16,466.9       Rs. 20,083.7       Rs. 20,878.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 387.6       US$ 387.6       US$ 302.0       US$ 368.4       US$ 383.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Bank holds no recorded impaired loans for which there is no related allowance.

Impaired loans by industry as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 by facility are as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2012  
     (In millions)  

Gross impaired loans by industry:

  

— Non-Banking Finance Companies/ Financial Intermediaries

   Rs. 1,782.7   

—Textiles & Garments

     1,430.5   

—Others (none greater than 5% of impaired loans)

     15,821.7   
  

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 19,034.9   
  

 

 

 

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
     (In millions)  

Gross impaired loans by industry:

     

— Non-Banking Finance Companies/ Financial Intermediaries

   Rs. 1,124.2       US$ 20.6   

—Land Transport

     1,316.0         24.1   

—Others (none greater than 5% of impaired loans)

     18,691.9         342.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 21,132.1       US$ 387.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Summary information relating to impaired loans during the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year ended March 31,  
      2011      2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Average impaired loans, net of allowance

   Rs. 5,007.6       Rs. 4,145.4       Rs. 4,191.7       US$ 76.9   

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

   Rs. 1,292.5       Rs. 1,668.3       Rs. 1,647.8       US$ 30.2   

 

F-26


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

    As of March 31, 2012  
     Specific     Unallocated        
    Retail                          
    Auto
loans
    Personal
Loans/
Credit
card
    Retail
business
banking
    Commercial
vehicle and
construction
equipment
finance
    Housing
loans
    Other
retail
    Wholesale     Retail     Wholesale     Total  
    (In millions)  

Allowance for credit losses, beginning of the period

  Rs. 503.1      Rs. 895.2      Rs. 4,396.8      Rs. 594.1      Rs. 237.2      Rs. 1,885.9        Rs.7,577.5      Rs. 8,357.0      Rs. 1,447.5      Rs. 25,894.3   

Write-offs

    (1,277.1     (4,862.7     (220.6     (555.8     (46.3     (448.7     (2,818.4         (10,229.6

Net allowance for credit losses*

    1,235.7        4,723.4        366.5        939.7        78.5        438.1        1,674.6        3,025.5        (239.8 )     12,242.2   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses, end of the period

  Rs. 461.7      Rs. 755.9      Rs. 4,542.7      Rs. 978.0      Rs. 269.4      Rs. 1,875.3      Rs. 6,433.7      Rs. 11,382.5      Rs. 1,207.7      Rs. 27,906.9   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses:

                   

Allowance individually evaluated for impairment

  Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. 6,433.7      Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. 6,433.7   

Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment

    461.7        755.9        4,542.7        978.0        269.4        1,875.3        —          11,382.5        1,207.7        21,473.2   

Loans:

                   

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

    —          —          —          —          —          —          7,723.6        —          —          7,723.6   

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    952.5        1,087.4        5,015.4        1,589.4        402.1        2,264.5        —          1,333,655.5        681,590.8        2,026,557.6   

 

* Net allowances for credit losses charged to expense does not include the recoveries against write-off cases amounting to Rs 4,404.9 million.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

    As of March 31, 2013  
     Specific     Unallocated              
    Retail                                
    Auto loans     Personal
Loans/
Credit
card
    Retail
business
banking
    Commercial
vehicle and
construction
equipment
finance
    Housing
loans
    Other
retail
    Wholesale     Retail     Wholesale     Total     Total  
    (In millions)  

Allowance for credit losses, beginning of the period

  Rs. 461.7      Rs. 755.9      Rs. 4,542.7      Rs. 978.0      Rs. 269.4      Rs. 1,875.3      Rs. 6,433.7      Rs. 11,382.5      Rs. 1,207.7      Rs. 27,906.9      US$ 511.9   

Write-offs

    (1,547.5     (5,516.5     (155.3     (2,498.4     (38.5     (1,124.7     (995.1         (11,876.0     (217.9

Net allowance for credit losses*

    1642.5        5,827.7        670.8        3,614.8        (45.9     1,000.4        315.9        3,349.1        1,288.0        17,663.3        324.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses, end of the period

  Rs. 556.7      Rs. 1,067.1      Rs. 5,058.2      Rs. 2,094.4      Rs. 185.0      Rs. 1,751.0      Rs. 5,754.5      Rs. 14,731.6      Rs. 2,495.7      Rs. 33,694.2      US$ 618.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance for credit losses:

                     

Allowance individually evaluated for impairment

  Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. 5,754.5      Rs. —        Rs. —        Rs. 5,754.5      US$ 105.5   

Allowance collectively evaluated for impairment

    556.7        1,067.1        5,058.2        2,094.4        185.0        1,751.0        —          14,731.6        2,495.7        27,939.7        512.5   

Loans:

                     

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

    —          —          —          —          —          —          6,553.0        —          —          6,553.0        120.2   

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

    1,238.7        1,550.6        5,790.1        3,657.9        268.0        2,073.8        —          1,714,924.6        802,189.1        2,531,692.8        46,436.0   

 

* Net allowances for credit losses charged to expense does not include the recoveries against write-off cases amounting to Rs 4,975.3 million.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The unallocated allowance is assessed at each period end and the increase/ (decrease) as the case may be is recorded in the income statement under allowances for credit losses. There is no transfer of amounts to or from the unallocated category to the specific category.

Troubled debt restructuring (TDR)

When the Bank grants concession, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, for other than an insignificant period of time, the related loan is classified as a TDR. Concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate below current market rates, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection. Loans, for which the terms have been modified, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered TDRs. On restructuring, the loans are re-measured to reflect the impact, if any, on projected cash flows resulting from the modified terms. Modification may have little or no impact on the allowance established for the loan if there was no forgiveness of the principal and the interest was not decreased. A charge off may be recorded at the time of restructuring if a portion of the loan is deemed to be uncollectible.

The following table summarizes our TDR modifications during the year ended March 31, 2013 presented by primary modification type and includes the financial effects of these modifications.

 

     Fiscal year ended March 31  
      Carrying
Value
     TDRs involving
changes in the
amount of
Principal
payments (1)
     TDRs involving
changes in the
amount of interest
payments (2)
     TDRs involving
changes in the
amount of both
principal and
interest payments
     Balance of
Principal
forgiven
     Net P&L
impact (3)
 

Wholesale loans4

   Rs. 384.1       Rs. 346.7       Rs. 37.4       Rs. —         Rs. 272.6       Rs. 285.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 384.1       Rs. 346.7       Rs. 37.4       Rs. —         Rs. 272.6       Rs. 285.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 7.1       US$ 6.4       US$ 0.7       US$ —         US$ 5.0       US$ 5.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) TDRs involving changes in the amount of principal payment may include principal forgiveness or deferral of periodic and/or final principal payments.
(2) TDRs involving changes in the amount of interest payments may involve a reduction in interest rate.
(3) Balances reflect charge-offs and/or allowance for credit losses and/or income not recogniesd/deferred
(4) TDR modification during the year ended March 31, 2013 comprised of two cases.

There were no TDRs that have defaulted in fiscal 2013 within 12 months of their modification date. The defaulted TDRs are based on a payment default definition of 90 days past due.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Interest on loans by facility are as follows:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Wholesale

   Rs. 56,634.7       Rs. 69,779.9       Rs. 82,159.2       US$ 1,507.0   

Retail loans

     97,085.0         140,535.8         189,571.3         3,477.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 153,719.7       Rs. 210,315.7       Rs. 271,730.5       US$ 4,984.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

11. Sales/transfer of receivables

There were no pre-tax gains on securitizations/other transfers that were completed during the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013. The following table summarizes the cash flows received from customers and paid to SPEs/transferees for sales of performing loans during the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
      2011      2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Cash flow information

           

Collections against securitized receivables/transfers

   Rs. 7,048.6       Rs.
 
 
3,692.6
  
  
   Rs. 1,946.0       US$ 35.7   

Payments made

     6,543.9         3,430.3         1,819.6         33.4   

Cash flows on retained interests

   Rs. 394.0       Rs. 220.4       Rs. 128.6       US$ 2.4   

Other key disclosures are as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
      2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Transferred receivables with continuing involvement*

     Rs.4,985.1         Rs.3,513.7       US$ 64.4   

Delinquencies

     643.6         588.4         10.8   

Credit losses

     389.3         436.2         8.0   

Retained interest in sold receivables

     247.9         189.3         3.5   

 

 

* Includes less than Rs. 0.1 million held by SPEs as of March 31, 2012 and as of March 31, 2013.

The table below outlines the economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value of retained interests in finance receivables as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 to immediate 10% and 20% changes in those assumptions:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Fair value of retained interests

        

Annual prepayment rate:

        

Impact of 10% adverse change

   Rs. 17.4       Rs. 12.3       US$ 0.2   

Impact of 20% adverse change

     32.9         23.3         0.4   

Expected credit losses:

        

Impact of 10% adverse change

     7.9         14.1         0.3   

Impact of 20% adverse change

     15.7         28.2         0.5   

The discount rate used for the valuation of retained interests is the rate of return to the transferees of the various pools of securitized receivables and, therefore, is not subject to change. Weighted average life in years of the securitized receivables is also not subject to change, except in the case of a change in the prepayment rate assumption. Consequently, the above sensitivity analysis does not include the impact on the estimated fair values of the retained interests due to an adverse change in the weighted average life in years and the discount rate.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with appropriate caution. A 10% change in the assumptions may not result in lineally proportionate changes in the fair values of retained interests. Adverse changes assumed in the above analysis and the resultant change in the fair values of retained interests are calculated independent of each other. In reality, any change in one factor may cause a change in the other factors.

12. Concentrations of credit risk

Concentrations of credit risk exist when changes in economic, industry or geographic factors similarly affect groups of counterparties whose aggregate credit exposure is material in relation to the Bank’s total credit exposure. The Bank manages its credit risk collectively for its loan portfolio and credit substitute securities as these instruments are invested in as part of an overall lending program for corporate customers; accordingly, information on concentrations of credit risk has been provided for these exposures together.

In the case of Wholesale loans while we generally lend on a cash-flow basis, we also require collateral which consists of liens on inventory, receivables and other current assets, and in some cases, charges on fixed assets, such as property, movable assets (such as vehicles) and financial assets (such as marketable securities) from a large number of our borrowers. Our retail loans are generally secured by a charge on the asset financed (vehicle loans, property loans and loans against gold and securities). Retail business banking loans are secured with current assets as well as immovable property and fixed assets in some cases. However, collateral securing each individual loan may not be adequate in relation to the value of the loan. If the customer fails to pay, we would, as applicable, liquidate collateral and/or set off accounts.

The Bank’s portfolio of loans, credit substitute securities and non-funded exposure (including derivatives) is broadly diversified along industry and product lines, and as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 the exposures are as set forth below. The Bank does not consider retail loans a specific industry for this purpose. However, retail business banking loans are classified in the appropriate categories below and loans to commercial vehicle operators are included in land transport below.

 

     As of March 31, 2012  

Category

   Gross loans      Fair Values Of
Credit  Substitutes
     Non-funded
exposure
     Total      %  
     (In millions, except percentages)  

Wholesale Trade

   Rs. 110,828.9       Rs. —         Rs. 31,439.4       Rs. 142,268.3         5.6

Banks & Financial Institutions

     37,298.1         —           121,778.4         159,076.5         6.3   

Land Transport

     129,736.4         —           1,407.8         131,144.2         5.2   

Coal & Petroleum Products

     23,948.3         —           64,094.1         88,042.4         3.5   

Automobile & Auto Ancillary

     70,078.3         97.0         14,958.5         85,133.8         3.4   

Engineering

     33,487.0         827.8         35,911.1         70,225.9         2.8   

Iron & Steel

     40,755.1         97.4         18,729.1         59,581.6         2.4   

Non-Banking Finance Companies

     47,563.0         5,033.5         2,867.4         55,463.9         2.2   

Retail Trade

     52,373.5         —           2,896.2         55,269.7         2.2   

Power

     44,135.9         —           10,453.4         54,589.3         2.2   

Real Estate & Property Services

     47,422.1         —           6,052.6         53,474.7         2.1   

Services

     38,967.0         —           12,799.7         51,766.7         2.0   

Food & Beverage

     46,444.1         —           5,101.8         51,545.9         2.0   

Others (none greater than 2%)

     1,311,243.5         5,744.8         150,717.8         1,467,706.1         58.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 2,034,281.2       Rs. 11,800.5       Rs. 479,207.3       Rs. 2,525,289.0         100.0 %
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of March 31, 2013  

Category

   Gross loans      Fair Values Of
Credit  Substitutes
     Non-funded
exposure
     Total      Total      %  
     (In millions, except percentages)  

Wholesale Trade

   Rs. 178,552.2       Rs. —         Rs. 36,930.1       Rs. 215,482.3       US$ 3,952.4         7.1

Land Transport

     157,938.8         —           1,929.0         159,867.8         2,932.3         5.2   

Automobile & Auto Ancillary

     105,073.6         4,594.1         13,625.0         123,292.7         2,261.4         4.0   

Coal & Petroleum Products

     48,885.1         —           71,202.1         120,087.2         2,202.6         3.9   

Banks & Financial Institutions

     29,155.0         —           66,170.8         95,325.8         1,748.5         3.1   

Services

     73,335.2         422.1         15,289.7         89,047.0         1,633.3         2.9   

Engineering

     42,721.6         996.0         32,443.7         76,161.3         1,396.9         2.5   

Iron & Steel

     53,229.3         —           22,326.7         75,556.0         1,385.8         2.5   

Food & Beverage

     69,213.0         1,192.2         5,140.5         75,545.7         1,385.7         2.5   

Retail trade

     71,102.3         —           2,655.5         73,757.8         1,352.9         2.4   

Non-ferrous Metals

     24,311.1         —           40,595.9         64,907.0         1,190.5         2.1   

Power

     49,453.9         1,984.3         11,598.2         63,036.4         1,156.2         2.1   

Others (none greater than 2%)

     1,635,274.7         37,433.9         142,783.5         1,815,492.1         33,299.6         59.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 2,538,245.8       Rs. 46,622.6       Rs. 462,690.7       Rs. 3,047,559.1       US$ 55,898.1         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Bank’s ten largest exposures as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, based on the higher of the outstanding balance or the limit on loans, investments (including credit substitutes) and non-funded exposures (including derivatives), are as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2012  
     Funded
Exposure
     Non-Funded
Exposure
     Total
Exposure
 
     (In millions)  

Borrower 1

   Rs.    91,154.8       Rs. —        Rs.    91,154.8   

Borrower 2

     24,500.0         28,502.9         53,002.9   

Borrower 3

     12,761.6         39,387.5         52,149.1   

Borrower 4

     42,500.0         —          42,500.0   

Borrower 5

     30,000.0         —          30,000.0   

Borrower 6

     30,000.0         —          30,000.0   

Borrower 7

     3,650.0         24,205.9         27,855.9   

Borrower 8

     24,184.3         14.0         24,198.3   

Borrower 9

     22,206.6         —          22,206.6   

Borrower 10

     3,229.1         18,381.8         21,610.9   
     As of March 31, 2013  
     Funded
Exposure
     Non-Funded
Exposure
     Total
Exposure
     Total
Exposure
 
     (In millions)  

Borrower 1

   Rs.   107,121.8       Rs. —         Rs.   107,121.8       US$   1,964.8   

Borrower 2

     44,500.0         33,534.3         78,034.3         1,431.3   

Borrower 3

     15,568.6         37,870.9         53,439.5         980.2   

Borrower 4

     42,500.0         —           42,500.0         779.5   

Borrower 5

     6,413.2         32,259.6         38,672.8         709.3   

Borrower 6

     6,891.6         23,983.0         30,874.6         566.3   

Borrower 7

     30,000.0         —           30,000.0         550.3   

Borrower 8

     3,317.2         22,530.4         25,847.6         474.1   

Borrower 9

     17,262.0         8,513.2         25,775.2         472.8   

Borrower 10

     22,895.9         —           22,895.9         420.0   

 

F-32


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

13. Property and equipment

Property and equipment by asset category is as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Land and premises

     Rs.10,581.7         Rs.11,622.7       US$ 213.2   

Software and systems

     8,387.6         11,047.5         202.6   

Equipment and furniture

     35,138.6         41,417.6         759.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

     54,107.9         64,087.8         1,175.5   

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     29,147.0         35,109.4         644.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

     Rs.24,960.9         Rs.28,978.4       US$ 531.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, the Bank revised the estimated useful life of point of sale machines and certain information technology servers categorized in equipment and furniture. Depreciation on these assets is charged prospectively over the revised estimated useful lives of these assets. Consequently the net income before noncontrolling interest for the year ended March 31, 2011 was lower by Rs. 390.5 million.

Depreciation and amortization charged for the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31,2012 and March 31, 2013 was Rs. 5,138.6 million, Rs. 5,588.7 million and Rs. 6,686.2 million (US$ 122.6 million), respectively.

14. Goodwill and other intangible assets

The Goodwill arising from a business combination is tested on an annual basis for impairment. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill of Rs. 74,937.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 and the year ended March 31, 2013. The entire amount of goodwill was allocated to the retail business. The table below presents the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount, in total and by class of intangible assets as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013:

 

    As of March 31, 2012     As of March 31, 2013  
    Gross
carrying
amount
    Accumulated
amortization
    Net carrying
amount
    Gross
carrying
amount
    Accumulated
amortization
    Net
carrying
amount
    Net
carrying
amount
 
                      (In millions)                    

Branch network

  Rs. 8,335.0      Rs. 5,356.0      Rs. 2,979.0      Rs. 8,335.0      Rs. 6,744.5      Rs. 1,590.5      US$ 29.2   

Customer list

    2,710.0        2,710.0        —          2,710.0        2,710.0        —          —     

Core deposit

    4,414.0        3,406.0        1,008.0        4,414.0        4,288.0        126.0        2.3   

Favorable leases

    543.0        456.0        87.0        543.0        490.0        53.0        1.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  Rs. 16,002.0      Rs. 11,928.0      Rs. 4,074.0      Rs. 16,002.0      Rs. 14,232.5      Rs. 1,769.5      US$     32.5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Branch network intangible represents the benefit that the Bank received through the acquisition of a ready branch network from Centurion Bank of Punjab Limited (“CBoP”) as opposed to having to build a new one. The fair value attributable to the branch network intangible is the difference in the present values of the earnings (net of costs) that the Bank would have generated if the Bank had set up its own branches/ATMs (the “Hypothetical New Branch Network Earnings”) and the earnings (net of costs) that were generated because of the acquisition of CBoP (the “CBoP Branch Network Earnings”). Similar streams of revenues and operating costs (and therefore profits) from CBoP’s existing customer base and loan portfolio (includes net interest income, fees and commission) have been considered in determining the values of the Hypothetical New Branch Network Earnings and the CBoP Branch Network Earnings. Other assets including intangibles such as customer list, core deposits, loans, premises and equipment have been considered as assets of Hypothetical New Branch Network Earnings and the CBoP Branch Network Earnings and the value of these assets have been included in both of the networks. The aforesaid present values to compute the said intangible assets was intended to capture the advantages that the Bank received through the acquisition of a ready branch network from CBoP (as opposed to having to build a new one) in terms of time and of avoiding the administrative process required to obtaining branch licenses from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Bank calculated the value of the customer list intangible through the cost approach by considering the estimated direct unit costs to source these customers multiplied by the number of customers. The Bank used the cost savings approach, i.e. the difference between the estimated cost of funds on deposit (interest cost and net maintenance costs) and the estimated cost of an equal amount of funds from an alternative source to calculate the core deposit intangible. The valuation of favorable leases intangibles was based on the cost saving to the Bank and future economic benefit until the lease expiry.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The aggregate amortization charged for the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was Rs. 2,558.6 million, Rs. 2,328.9 million and Rs. 2,304.5 million (US$ 42.3 million), respectively.

The estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is given in the table below:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

To be amortized during the twelve months ending March 31:

     

2014

     Rs.1,538.5      US$ 28.2   

2015

     219.0         4.0   

2016

     7.0         0.1   

2017

     3.0         0.1   

2018

     1.0         —     

15. Other assets

Other assets include the following:

 

     As of March 31,  
      2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Security deposits for leased property

   Rs. 3,149.4       Rs. 3,392.9       US$ 62.2   

Sundry accounts receivable

     7,489.3         17,256.4         316.6   

Advance tax (net of provision for taxes)

     11,469.1         14,881.1         272.9   

Advances

     3,180.4         1,701.2         31.2   

Prepaid expenses

     1,149.1         1,319.6         24.2   

Restricted cash/ securitization margin for credit enhancement and securitized transactions

     3,222.9         4,372.2         80.2   

Derivatives (refer to note 24)

     133,194.3         72,523.0         1,330.2   

Others

     28,177.0         20,390.5         374.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 191,031.5       Rs. 135,836.9       US$ 2,491.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

16. Deposits

Deposits include demand deposits, which are non-interest-bearing, and savings and time deposits, which are interest-bearing. Deposits as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Interest-bearing:

        

Savings deposits

   Rs. 739,974.6       Rs. 882,099.8       US$ 16,179.3   

Time deposits

     1,272,083.3         1,556,162.2         28,543.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing deposits

     2,012,057.9         2,438,262.0         44,722.3   

Non-interest-bearing deposits

     452,991.7         522,271.9         9,579.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 2,465,049.6       Rs. 2,960,533.9       US$ 54,301.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, time deposits of Rs. 1,001,480.1 million and Rs. 1,230,190.8 million, respectively, had a residual maturity of less than one year. The remaining deposits mature between one and ten years.

As of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, time deposits in excess of Rs.0.1 million aggregated Rs. 1,177,770.9 million and Rs. 1,442,585.6 million, respectively.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As of March 31, 2013, the scheduled maturities for total time deposits were as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
     (In millions)  

Due to mature in the fiscal year ending March 31:

     

2014

   Rs. 1,230,190.8       US$ 22,564.0   

2015

     175,228.5         3,214.0   

2016

     50,842.4         932.6   

2017

     26,176.8         480.2   

2018

     69,427.1         1,273.4   

Thereafter

     4,296.6         78.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 1,556,162.2       US$ 28,543.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

17. Short-term borrowings

Short-term borrowings are mainly comprised of money market borrowings which are unsecured and are utilized by the Bank for its treasury operations. Short-term borrowings as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were comprised of the following:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Borrowed in the call market

   Rs. 8,693.3      Rs. 7,246.8      US$ 132.9   

Term borrowings from institutions/banks

     44,850.3        37,550.0        688.8   

Foreign currency borrowings

     59,099.2        80,224.7        1,471.5   

Bills rediscounted

     —          20,595.7        377.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 112,642.8      Rs. 145,617.2      US$ 2,670.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total borrowings outstanding:

      

Maximum amount outstanding

   Rs. 286,380.8      Rs. 253,172.3      US$ 4,643.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average amount outstanding

   Rs. 109,900.6      Rs. 147,051.2      US$ 2,697.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average interest rate

     5.2     5.3     5.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

18. Long-term debt

Long-term debt as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was comprised of the following:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Subordinated debt

     Rs.111,056.5         Rs.171,867.5       US$ 3,152.4   

Others

     67,310.1         123,352.2         2,262.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     Rs.178,366.6         Rs.295,219.7       US$ 5,414.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-35


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The below table presents the balance of long term debt as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 and the related contractual rates and maturity dates:

 

     Years ended March 31,  
     2012      2013  
     Maturity /
Call dates
   Stated interest rates    Total      Maturity  /
Call

dates
     Stated interest rates    Total      Total  
     (In Millions)  

Subordinated debt

                    

Lower Tier II

                    

Fixed rate

   2014 - 2022    5.90% to 10.70%      Rs.69,810.0         2014 - 2023       5.90% to 10.70%      Rs.130,280.0       US$ 2,389.6   

Upper Tier II

                    

Fixed rate

   2016 - 2021    8.70% to 10.85%      34,159.0         2016 - 2021       8.70% to 10.85%      34,159.0         626.5   

Variable rate

   2016 - 2017    LIBOR+1.2      5,087.5         2016 - 2017       LIBOR+1.2      5,428.5         99.6   

Perpetual debt

   2016 - 2017    9.92%      2,000.0         2016 - 2017       9.92%      2,000.0         36.7   

Others

                    

Variable rate—(1)

   2012 - 2015    1.41% to 2.30%      31,033.8         2013 - 2017       1.30% to 2.94%      49,586.9         909.5   

Variable rate—(2)

   2012 - 2019    10.50% to 10.85%      10,983.9         2014 - 2018       9.75 % to 11.10%      55,285.1         1,014.0   

Fixed rate

   2012 - 2019    8.00% to 11.50%      25,292.4         2014 - 2018       8.00% to 10.30%      18,480.2         339.0   
        

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           Rs.178,366.6               Rs.295,219.7       US$ 5,414.9   
        

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

 

The scheduled maturities of long-term debt are set out below:

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
     (In millions)  

Due in the fiscal year ending March 31:

     

2014

   Rs. 8,943.1       US$ 164.0   

2015

     44,351.3         813.5   

2016

     34,129.9         626.0   

2017

     15,013.6         275.4   

2018

     41,224.3         756.1   

Thereafter (1)

     149,557.5         2,743.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 293,219.7       US$ 5,378.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The scheduled maturities of long-term debt do not include perpetual bonds of Rs. 2.0 billion.

During the year ended March 31, 2013, the Bank issued subordinated debt qualifying for Lower Tier II capital, under RBI regulatory guidelines, amounting to Rs. 60,470.0 million (previous year Rs. 36,500.0 million) and raised other long term debt Rs. 102,235.7 million (previous year Rs. 51,829.3 million).

As of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, other long-term debt includes foreign currency borrowings from other banks aggregating to Rs. 31,033.8 million and Rs.49,586.9 million, respectively, and functional currency borrowings aggregating to Rs. 36,276.3 million and Rs. 73,765.3 million, respectively.

19. Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities include the amounts set forth below:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Bills payable

     Rs.54,657.3         Rs.54,787.7       US$ 1,004.9   

Remittances in transit

     23,858.1         21,047.8         386.1   

Accrued expenses

     20,077.9         23,544.1         431.8   

New account deposits

     4,942.1         4,884.1         89.6   

Accounts payable

     49,480.2         40,907.8         750.3   

Derivatives (refer to note 24)

     127,932.3         69,099.7         1,267.4   

Others

     15,620.2         21,751.0         399.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     Rs.296,568.1         Rs.236,022.2       US$ 4,329.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

20. Accumulated other comprehensive income

The below table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) after tax for the years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

 

     Available for
sale securities
     Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
     Total  
     (In millions)  

Balance, March 31, 2011

   Rs. (5,661.0)      Rs. (51.5)      Rs. (5,712.5)  

Net change

     (1,753.9)         253.6         (1,500.3)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2012

   Rs. (7,414.9)      Rs. 202.1       Rs. (7,212.8)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2012

   Rs. (7,414.9)      Rs. 202.1       Rs. (7,212.8)  

Net change

     7,637.3         60.9         7,698.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2013

   Rs. 222.4       Rs. 263.0       Rs. 485.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   US$  4.1       US$ 4.8       US$ 8.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

21. Income taxes

Income tax expense is comprised of the following:

 

     Years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Current income tax expense

   Rs. 22,905.4      Rs. 26,743.1      Rs. 35,848.5      US$ 657.5   

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense*

     (1,207.1     (1,950.0     (4,881.7     (89.5

Interest on income tax refund

     —         (964.4     (1,126.7 )     (20.7 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense**

   Rs. 21,698.3      Rs. 23,828.7      Rs. 29,840.1      US$ 547.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Includes deferred income tax benefits on the amortization of intangible assets of Rs. 919.1 million, Rs. 805.1 million and Rs.747.7 million for fiscals March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively.
** Does not include the deferred tax effects of unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities that are included in accumulated other comprehensive income of Rs. 2,402.1 million, Rs. 782.3 million and Rs.3,771.9 million for fiscals March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

 

F-37


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following is the reconciliation of estimated income taxes at the Indian statutory income tax rate to income tax expense as reported:

 

     Years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Net income before taxes

   Rs. 63,225.6      Rs. 73,836.7      Rs. 91,974.8      US$ 1,687.0   

Effective statutory income tax rate

     33.22     32.45     32.45 %     32.45

Expected income tax expense

     21,002.0        23,956.3        29,841.2        547.3   

Adjustments to reconcile expected income tax to actual tax expense

        

Interest on income tax refund

     —          (651.5 )     (761.1     (14.0

Permanent differences:

        

Stock-based compensation

     1,132.0        1,268.6        1,471.0        27.0   

Income exempt from taxes

     (650.4     (981.9     (593.5 )     (10.9

Effect of change in statutory tax rate

     106.2        136.7        —          —     

Other, net

     108.5        100.5        (117.5 )     (2.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   Rs. 21,698.3      Rs. 23,828.7      Rs. 29,840.1      US$ 547.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The tax effects of significant temporary differences are as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

Tax effect of:

        

Deductible temporary differences:

        

Allowance for loan losses

   Rs. 6,198.2       Rs. 9,576.1       US$ 175.6   

Unrealized loss on securities available for sale

     3,553.4         —          —    

Investments, others

     693.0         927.1         17.0   

Employee benefits

     1,942.1         2,135.8         39.2   

Others

     2,432.0         2,943.0         54.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset

     14,818.7         15,582.0         285.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Taxable temporary differences:

        

Property and equipment

     822.6         749.4         13.7   

Loan origination cost

     1,108.5         1,276.2         23.4   

Derivatives

     121.9         232.8         4.3   

Unrealized gain on securities available for sale

     —           92.0         1.7   

Intangible assets

     1,321.8         574.1         10.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability

     3,374.8         2,924.5         53.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax (asset) liability

   Rs. (11,443.9)      Rs. (12,657.5)      US$ (232.2)  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Management believes that the realization of the recognized deferred tax assets is more likely than not based on expectations as to future taxable income. The major income tax jurisdiction for the Bank is India.

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The total unrecognized tax benefit as on March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 is Rs.691.3 million and Rs.648.3 million, respectively. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

     Year ended March 31,  
     2012      2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Opening balance

   Rs. 691.3       Rs. 691.3      US$ 12.7   

Increase/(decrease) related to prior year tax positions

     —          (43.0 )     (0.8 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing balance

   Rs. 691.3       Rs. 648.3      US$ 11.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Bank’s total unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce the tax provisions by Rs.648.3 million as of March 31, 2013 and thereby would affect the Bank’s effective tax rate.

Significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months cannot be reasonably estimated as the changes would depend upon the progress of tax examinations with various tax authorities.

The Bank’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. For the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, no amount was charged as interest and penalty cost to the income statement. The open tax years (first assessment by the tax authorities) is pending from fiscal 2011 onwards.

22. Stock-based compensation

The stock-based compensation plans of the Bank are as follows.

Employees Stock Option Scheme:

The shareholders of the Bank approved in January 2000 Plan “A”, in June 2003 Plan “B”, in June 2005 Plan “C”, in June 2007 Plan “D” and in June 2010 Plan “E” of the Employees’ Stock Option Scheme (the “Plan”). Under the terms of each of these Plans, the Bank may issue stock options to employees and directors of the Bank, each of which is convertible into one equity share. The Bank reserved 50.0 million equity shares, with an aggregate nominal value of Rs.100.0 million, for issuance under each Plan “A”, “B” and “C”. Under Plan “D” the Bank reserved 75.0 million equity shares with an aggregate nominal value of Rs.150.0 million and under Plan “E” the Bank reserved 100.0 million equity shares with an aggregate nominal value of Rs. 200.0 million. Under the terms of each of these Plans, the Bank may issue stock options to employees and directors of the Bank, each of which is convertible into one equity share.

Plan A provides for the issuance of options at the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) at an average of the daily closing prices on the Mumbai Stock Exchange during the 60 days preceding the date of grant of options, which was the minimum prescribed option price under regulations then issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). Presently, there are no stock options issued and outstanding under Plan A.

Plan B, Plan C, Plan D and Plan E provide for the issuance of options at the recommendation of the Compensation Committee at the closing price on the working day immediately preceding the date when options are granted on an Indian stock exchange. For Plan B the price is that quoted on an Indian stock exchange with the highest trading volume during the preceding two weeks, while for Plan C, Plan D and Plan E the price is that quoted on an Indian stock exchange with the highest trading volume as of the working day preceding the date of grant.

Such options vest at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, generally between 1-3 years. These options are exercisable for a period following vesting at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, subject to a maximum of five years, as set forth at the time of the grant. Modifications, if any, made to the terms and conditions of these Plans as approved by the Compensation Committee are disclosed separately.

On July 6, 2011 and January 18, 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board approved the grant of a total of 243,750 options (Scheme XVII) and a total of 35,359,500 options (Scheme XVIII) to the employees of the Bank, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Modification of employee stock option schemes

During the period ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, there were no modifications to employee stock option schemes.

Assumptions used

The fair value of options has been estimated on the dates of each grant using a binomial option pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

     Years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013*  

Dividend yield

     0.55     0.65%-0.70     —     

Expected volatility

     30     29.35     —     

Risk-free interest rate

     7.53%-7.62     8.04%-8.22     —     

Expected lives

     1-4.3 years       1-5.2 years       —    

 

* no options were granted during the period

Activity and other details

Activity in the options available to be granted under the Employee Stock Option Scheme is as follows:

 

     Options available to be granted
Years ending March 31,
 
     2011     2012     2013  

Options available to be granted, beginning of period*

     22,812,500        91,642,000        57,116,000   

Equity shares allocated for grant under the plan

     100,000,000        —          —     

Options granted

     (32,967,500     (35,603,250     —     

Forfeited/lapsed*

     1,797,000        1,077,250        964,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options available to be granted, end of period

     91,642,000        57,116,000        58,080,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Does not include options exchanged on acquisition of CBoP since these options on forfeiture/lapse are not available for re-issue.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Activity in the options outstanding under the Employee Stock Option Scheme is as follows:

 

     Years ended March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  
      Options     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Options     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Options     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Options outstanding, beginning of period

     92,347,270      Rs. 241.54         85,924,615      Rs. 325.27         99,872,740      Rs. 389.52   

Granted

     32,967,500        440.16         35,603,250        468.67         —          —     

Exercised*

     (37,412,060     221.36         (20,559,850 )     257.91         (33,459,050     333.87   

Forfeited

     (1,492,250     328.39         (879,000 )     439.76         (848,800     461.85   

Lapsed

     (485,845     198.05         (216,275 )     199.60         (121,845     236.79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options outstanding, end of period

     85,924,615      Rs. 325.27         99,872,740      Rs. 389.52         65,443,045      Rs. 417.32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Options exercisable, end of period

     53,132,115      Rs. 254.36         56,415,090      Rs. 332.53         56,752,845      Rs. 409.46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year

     Rs. 140.74         Rs. 163.43         Rs. —     

 

* As of March 31, 2013 includes 728,290 options exercised, pending allotment of equity shares

The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2013:

 

          As of March 31, 2013  

Plan

  

Range of exercise price

   Number Of
Shares Arising
Out Of Options
     Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
Years
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Plan B

  

Rs. 198.97 to Rs. 219.74 (or US$ 3.65 to US$ 4.03)

     614,500         0.53       Rs. 203.50   

Plan C

  

Rs. 198.97 to Rs. 219.74 (or US$ 3.65 to US$ 4.03)

     705,400         0.44         208.12   

Plan D

  

Rs. 219.74 to Rs. 340.96 (or US$ 4.03 to US$ 6.25)

     12,058,100         1.39         285.60   

Plan E

  

Rs. 440.16 to Rs. 508.23 (or US$ 8.07 to US$ 9.32)

     51,175,300         3.65         457.40   

General ESOP

  

Rs. 107.30 to Rs. 251.72 (or US$ 1.97 to US$ 4.62)

     889,745         1.09       Rs. 210.75   

The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was Rs. 195.4 million, Rs. 107.2 million and Rs. 151.5 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable as at March 31, 2013 was Rs. 493.6 million (previous year Rs. 654.3 million) and Rs. 377.0 million (previous year Rs. 177.1 million), respectively. Total stock compensation cost (including on modification) recognized under these plans was Rs. 3,407.7 million, Rs. 3,887.7 million and Rs. 4,533.7 million during the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively. As of March 31, 2013, there were 8,690,200 (previous year 43,457,650) unvested options with weighted average exercise price of Rs. 468.7 (previous year Rs. 463.5) and aggregate intrinsic value of Rs. 116.6 (previous year Rs. 477.2). As at March 31, 2013, the total estimated compensation cost to be recognized in future periods was Rs. 568.8 million (previous year Rs. 4,917.1 million). This is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.80 years.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

23. Retirement benefits

Gratuity

In accordance with Indian law, the Bank provides for gratuity, a defined benefit retirement plan, covering eligible employees. The plan provides for lump sum payments to vested employees at retirement, resignation, death while in employment or on termination of employment in an amount equivalent to 15 days’ eligible salary payable for each completed year of service. Vesting occurs upon completion of five years of service. The Bank makes annual contributions to funds administered by trustees and managed by insurance companies for amounts notified by said insurance companies and in respect of certain employees, the Bank makes contributions to a fund set up for the purpose and administered by the board of trustees. The contributions are invested in specific designated instruments as permitted by Indian law. The Bank accounts for the liability for future gratuity benefits using the projected unit cost method based on an actuarial valuation done on March 31 of every year.

The following table sets out the funded status of the gratuity plan and the amounts recognized in the Bank’s financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Change in benefit obligations:

      

Projected benefit obligation (“PBO”), beginning of the period

   Rs. 1,360.8      Rs. 1,663.0      US$ 30.5   

Service cost

     283.6        387.2        7.1   

Interest cost

     115.7        130.6        2.4   

Actuarial(gains)/ losses

     (5.6     (0.4 )     —     

Benefits paid

     (91.5     (117.6 )     (2.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation, end of the period

     1,663.0        2,062.8        37.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

      

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of the period

     660.0        918.6        16.8   

Expected return on plan assets

     63.1        88.8        1.6   

Actuarial gains/(losses)

     (9.3     20.0        0.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

     53.8        108.8        2.0   

Employer contributions

     296.3        392.5        7.2   

Benefits paid

     (91.5     (117.6 )     (2.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, end of the period

     918.6        1,302.3        23.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded Status

   Rs. (744.4 )   Rs. (760.5   US$ (13.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Bank’s expected contribution to the gratuity fund for the next fiscal year is estimated at Rs.309.5 million. The accumulated benefit obligation as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was Rs. 937.7 million and Rs. 1,236.0 million, respectively. The vested accumulated benefit obligation as on March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was Rs. 429.3 million and Rs.793.3 million, respectively.

Net gratuity cost for the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was comprised of the following components:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Service cost

   Rs. 269.5      Rs. 283.6      Rs. 387.2      US$ 7.1   

Interest cost

     78.0        115.7        130.6        2.4   

Expected return on plan assets

     (23.6     (63.1     (88.8 )     (1.6 )

Actuarial (gains)/ losses

     102.9        3.7        (20.4 )     (0.4 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gratuity cost

   Rs. 426.8      Rs. 339.9      Rs. 408.6      US$ 7.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The assumptions used in accounting for the gratuity plan are set out below:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
      2011      2012      2013  
     (% per annum)  

Discount rate*

     8.2         8.8         8.1   

Rate of increase in compensation levels of covered employees

     8.5         9.0         8.5   

Rate of return on plan assets

     8.0         8.0         8.0   

 

* Weighted average assumptions used to determine both benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost.

The rate of return on plan assets is based on historical returns, the current market conditions, anticipated future assets allocation and expected future returns. The rate of return on plan assets represents a long-term average view of the expected return.

The following benefit payments, which includes benefits attributable to expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

 

Year ending March 31,

   Benefit payments  
     (In millions)  

2014

   Rs. 129.5   

2015

     136.8   

2016

     147.9   

2017

     166.7   

2018

     230.4   

2019-2023

     850.5   

The expected benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Bank’s benefit obligations as of March 31, 2013.

The gratuity contributions of the Bank which are administered by a trust set up for the purpose are managed by two insurance companies and in respect of certain employees the funds are invested by the trust set up for the said purpose. The overall asset allocation of the gratuity fund by the two insurance companies is structured so as to provide stable earnings while still allowing for potentially higher returns through an investment in equity securities. As at March 31, 2013, the plan assets as a percentage of the total funds were as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
     Funds managed
by insurance
company (1)*
    Funds managed
by insurance
company (2)*
    Funds
managed
by
trust
 

Government securities

     43.5 %     22.6 %     36.3 %

Debenture and bonds

     37.7 %     26.0 %     49.8 %

Equity securities

     4.6 %     44.6 %     —     

Other

     14.2 %     6.8 %     13.9 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* The data pertaining to plan investment assets measured at fair value by level and total at March 31, 2013 are provided separately.

Pension

In respect of pensions payable to certain erstwhile CBoP employees, which are payable pursuant to a defined benefit scheme, the Bank contributes 10% of basic salary to a pension fund set up by the Bank and administered by the board of trustees and the balance amount is provided based on an actuarial valuation at the balance sheet date conducted by an independent actuary. In respect of employees who have moved to a cost to company (CTC) driven compensation structure and have completed services up to 15 years as on the date of movement to CTC driven compensation structure, any contribution made until such date, and any additional one-time contribution made for employees (who have completed more than 10 years but less than 15 years) stand frozen and will be converted into an annuity on separation after a lock-in-period of two years. Hence for this category of employees, liability stands frozen and no additional provision is required except for interest, if any. In respect of employees who accepted the offer and have completed services for more than 15 years, the pension would be paid based on the employee’s salary as of the date of movement to CTC driven compensation structure and a provision is made based on an actuarial valuation at the balance sheet date conducted by an independent actuary.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table sets out the funded status of the pension plan and the amounts recognized in the Bank’s financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Change in benefit obligations:

      

Projected benefit obligation (“PBO”), beginning of the period

   Rs. 573.8      Rs. 568.5      US$ 10.4   

Service cost

     15.1        13.2        0.2   

Interest cost

     46.1        41.8        0.8   

Actuarial (gains)/losses

     34.4        69.3        1.3   

Benefits paid

     (100.9     (110.9     (2.0 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation, end of the period

     568.5        581.9        10.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

      

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of the period

     433.5        511.4        9.4   

Expected return on plan assets

     37.8        40.0        0.7   

Actuarial gains/(losses)

     (12.9 )     (15.8 )     (0.3 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

     24.9        24.2        0.4   

Employer contributions

     153.9        64.1        1.2   

Benefits paid

     (100.9     (110.9 )     (2.0 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, end of the period

     511.4        488.8        9.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded Status

   Rs. (57.1 )     (93.1 )   US$ (1.7 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Bank’s expected contribution to the pension fund for the next fiscal year is estimated at Rs.94.8 million. The accumulated benefit obligation as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was Rs. 385.6 million and Rs.370.7 million, respectively. The vested accumulated benefit obligation as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was Rs. 222.9 million and Rs.248.5 million, respectively.

Net pension cost for the year ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 was comprised of the following components:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2011     2012     2013     2013  
     (in millions)  

Service cost

   Rs. 17.6      Rs. 15.1      Rs. 13.2      US$ 0.2   

Interest cost

     30.5        46.1        41.8        0.8   

Expected return on plan assets

     (32.8     (37.8     (40.0     (0.7 )

Actuarial (gains)/losses

     160.1        47.3        85.1        1.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net pension cost

   Rs. 175.4      Rs. 70.7      Rs. 100.1      US$ 1.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The assumptions used in accounting for the pension plan are set out below:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
      2011      2012      2013  
     (% per annum)  

Discount rate*

     8.2         8.8         8.1   

Rate of increase in compensation levels of covered employees

     8.5         9.0         8.5   

Rate of return on plan assets

     8.0         8.0         8.0   

 

* Weighted average assumptions used to determine both benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost.

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following benefit payments, which include benefits attributable to expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

 

Year ending March 31,

   Benefit payments  
     (In millions)  

2014

   Rs. 62.3   

2015

     54.4   

2016

     26.1   

2017

     52.8   

2018

     60.9   

2019-2023

     320.6   

The expected benefits are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Bank’s benefit obligations as of March 31, 2013.

The retirement funds of a section of the employees are managed by a trust set up for the purpose. The trust essentially manages the defined retirement benefit plans belonging to certain employees. The funds are mainly invested in government securities, oil bonds and other corporate bonds. The weighted-average asset allocation of the said plan assets for the pension benefits as at March 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

Asset category

   Funds managed
by trust
 

Government securities

     6.6

Debenture and bonds

     66.7

Other

     26.7
  

 

 

 

Total

     100.0

For information on fair value measurements, including descriptions of Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation methods employed by the Bank, see note 33 – Fair value measurements.

Plan investment assets for gratuity funds and the pension fund measured at fair value by level and in total as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 are summarized in the table below.

 

     As of March 31, 2012      As of March 31, 2013  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     (In millions)  

Funds managed by insurance company (1)

   Rs. —         Rs. —        Rs. 233.8       Rs. —         Rs. —         Rs. 378.6   

Funds managed by insurance company (2)

     —           437.2         —          —           677.2         —     

Funds managed by trust

                 

— Government securities

     —           265.3         —          —           121.4         —     

— Debenture and bonds

     —           410.0         —          —           448.9         —     

— Others

     83.7         —          —          165.0         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 83.7       Rs. 1,112.5       Rs. 233.8       Rs. 165.0       Rs. 1,247.5       Rs. 378.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            US$ 3.0       US$ 22.9       US$ 6.9   
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The table below presents a reconciliation of all Plan investment assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during fiscal 2012 and 2013.

 

     Funds managed by Insurance
companies as of March 31,
 
      2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Particular

      

Opening balance

   Rs. 178.1      Rs. 233.8      US$ 4.3   

Realised interest credited to fund

     34.1        29.6        0.5   

Contribution during the period

     80.1        195.4        3.6   

Amount paid towards claim

     (58.5 )     (80.2     (1.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing balance

   Rs. 233.8      Rs. 378.6      US$ 6.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Superannuation

Eligible employees of the Bank are entitled to receive retirement benefits under the Bank’s superannuation fund. The superannuation fund is a defined contribution plan under which the Bank annually contributes a sum equivalent to 13% of the employee’s eligible annual salary (15% for the Managing Director, Executive Directors and for certain employees of CBoP) to the Life Insurance Corporation of India, which administers the fund. The Bank has no liability for future superannuation fund benefits other than its annual contribution, and recognizes such contributions as an expense in the year incurred. The Bank contributed Rs. 258.6 million, Rs. 327.1 million and Rs. 373.3 million to the superannuation plan for the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

Provident fund

In accordance with Indian law, eligible employees of the Bank are entitled to receive benefits under the provident fund, a defined contribution plan in which both the employee and the Bank contribute monthly at a determined rate (currently 12% of an employee’s eligible salary). These contributions are made to a fund set up by the Bank and administered by a board of trustees, except that out of the employer’s contribution, an amount equal to 8.33% of the lower of employee’s monthly eligible salary or Rs. 0.0065 million, is contributed by the Bank to the Pension Scheme administered by the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner. Employees are credited with interest, which is subject to a government specified minimum rate. The Bank has no liability for future provident fund benefits other than its annual contribution and the shortfall, if any, between the government specified minimum rate and the yield on the fund’s assets, and recognizes such contributions as an expense in the year incurred. The Bank contributed Rs. 928.8 million, Rs. 1,165.4 million, Rs. 1,295.4 million to the provident fund for the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

Compensated absences

The Bank provides for unutilized leave balances standing to the credit of each employee at each balance sheet date on an actual basis.

24. Financial instruments

Foreign exchange and derivative contracts

The Bank enters into forward exchange contracts, currency options, forward rate agreements, currency swaps and rupee interest rate swaps with inter-bank participants on its own account and for customers. These transactions enable customers to transfer, modify or reduce their foreign exchange and interest rate risks.

Forward exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency at a future date at the contracted rate. Currency swaps are commitments to exchange cash flows by way of interest in one currency against another currency and exchange of principal amount at maturity based on predetermined rates. Rupee interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange fixed and floating rate cash flows in rupees. A forward rate agreement gives the buyer the ability to determine the underlying rate of interest for a specified period commencing on a specified future date (the settlement date) when the settlement amount is determined being the difference between the contracted rate and the market rate on the settlement date. Currency options give the buyer the right, but not an obligation, to buy or sell specified amounts of currency at agreed rates of exchange on or before a specified future date.

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The market and credit risk associated with these products, as well as the operating risks, are similar to those relating to other types of financial instruments. Market risk is the exposure created by movements in interest rates and exchange rates during the tenure of the transaction. The extent of market risk affecting such transactions depends on the type and nature of the transaction, the value of the transaction and the extent to which the transaction is uncovered. Credit risk is the exposure to loss in the event of default by counterparties. The extent of loss on account of a counterparty default will depend on the replacement value of the contract at the ongoing market rates.

The Bank uses its pricing models to determine fair values of its derivative financial instruments. The Bank records credit risk valuation adjustments on derivative financial instruments in order to reflect the credit quality of the counterparties and its own credit quality. The Bank calculates valuation adjustments on derivatives based on observable market credit risk spreads.

The following table presents the aggregate notional principal amounts of the Bank’s outstanding forward exchange and other derivative contracts as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, together with the fair values on each reporting date

 

     As of March 31, 2012  
     Notional      Gross Assets      Gross Liabilities      Net Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Interest rate derivatives

   Rs. 2,352,335.4       Rs. 11,735.6       Rs. 12,353.8       Rs. (618.2 )

Currency options

     220,616.6         3,987.7         3,038.8         948.9   

Currency swaps

     53,438.4         2,959.3         1,882.0         1,077.3   

Forward exchange contracts

     5,648,917.1         114,511.7         110,657.7         3,854.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 8,275,307.5       Rs. 133,194.3       Rs. 127,932.3       Rs. 5,262.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of March 31, 2013  
      Notional      Gross Assets      Gross Liabilities      Net Fair Value     Notional      Net Fair Value  
     (In millions)  

Interest rate derivatives

   Rs. 2,080,500.3       Rs. 5,944.5       Rs. 7,837.2       Rs. (1,892.7 )   US$ 38,160.3       US$ (34.7 )

Currency options

     152,384.2         1,014.1         1,300.0         (285.9 )     2,795.0         (5.3 )

Currency swaps

     59,328.6         2,962.0         1,502.5         1,459.5        1,088.2         26.8   

Forward exchange contracts

     4,467,860.7         62,602.4         58,460.0         4,142.4        81,949.0         76.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 6,760,073.8       Rs. 72,523.0       Rs. 69,099.7       Rs. 3,423.3      US$ 123,992.5       US$ 62.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Bank has not designated the above contracts as accounting hedges and accordingly the contracts are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The gross assets and the gross liabilities are recorded in ‘other assets’ and ‘accrued expenses and other liabilities’, respectively.

The following table summarizes certain information related to derivative amounts recognized in income:

 

     Non-interest revenue, net –
Derivatives for the years ended March 31,
 
     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Interest rate derivatives

   Rs. (715.9 )   Rs. (2,170.1 )   US$ (39.8 )

Forward rate agreements

     (0.1 )     4.4        0.1   

Currency options

     220.1        (742.8 )     (13.6 )

Currency swaps

     823.3        (105.5 )     (1.9 )

Forward exchange contracts

     2,461.3        3,255.9        59.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gains/(losses)

   Rs. 2,788.7      Rs. 241.9      US$ 4.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Guarantees

As a part of its commercial banking activities, the Bank has issued guarantees and documentary credits, such as letters of credit, to enhance the credit standing of its customers. These generally represent irrevocable assurances that the Bank will make payments in the event that the customer fails to fulfill his financial or performance obligations. Financial guarantees are obligations to pay a third party beneficiary where a customer fails to make payment towards a specified financial obligation. Performance guarantees are obligations to pay a third party beneficiary where a customer fails to perform a non-financial contractual obligation. The tenure of the guarantees issued or renewed by the Bank is normally in line with requirements on case by case basis as may be assessed by the Bank. The remaining tenure of guarantees presently issued by the Bank and outstanding range from 1 day to 20 years.

The credit risk associated with these products, as well as the operating risks, is similar to those relating to other types of financial instruments.

In terms of FASB ASC 460-10 the Bank has recognized a liability of Rs. 895.9 million and Rs.1,090.2 million as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 respectively, in respect of guarantees issued or modified. Based on historical trends, in terms of FASB ASC 450, the Bank has recognized a liability of Rs. 375.4 million and Rs. 744.6 million as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

Details of guarantees and documentary credits outstanding are set out below:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Nominal values:

      

Bank guarantees:

      

Financial guarantees

   Rs. 76,921.6      Rs. 99,886.2      US$ 1,832.1   

Performance guarantees

     59,909.3        69,686.1        1,278.2   

Documentary credits

     209,182.1        220,595.4        4,046.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 346,013.0      Rs. 390,167.7      US$ 7,156.4   

Estimated fair values:

      

Guarantees

   Rs. (895.9   Rs. (1,090.2 )   US$ (20.0 )

Documentary credits

     (171.7     (232.6 )     (4.3 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. (1,067.6   Rs. (1,322.8 )   US$ (24.3 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As part of its risk management activities, the Bank continuously monitors the credit-worthiness of customers as well as guarantee exposures. If a customer fails to perform a specified obligation, a beneficiary may draw upon the guarantee by presenting documents in compliance with the guarantee. In that event, the Bank makes payment on account of the defaulting customer to the beneficiary up to the full notional amount of the guarantee. The customer is obligated to reimburse the Bank for any such payment. If the customer fails to pay, the Bank liquidates any collateral held and sets off accounts; if insufficient collateral is held, the Bank recognizes a loss.

Loan sanction letters

The Bank issues sanction letters indicating its intent to provide new loans to certain customers. The aggregate of loans contemplated in these letters that had not yet been made was Rs. 789,921.3 million as of March 31, 2013. If the Bank were to make such loans, the interest rates would be dependent on the lending rates in effect when the loans were disbursed. The Bank has no commitment to lend under these letters. Among other things, the making of a loan is subject to a review of the credit-worthiness of the customer at the time the customer seeks to borrow, at which time the Bank has the unilateral right to decline to make the loan.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

25. Estimated fair value of financial instruments

The Bank’s financial instruments include financial assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet, including instruments such as foreign exchange and derivative contracts. Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Bank’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of all the amounts the Bank could have realized in a sales transaction as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013. The estimated fair value amounts as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 have been measured as of the respective year ends, and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each year end.

Financial instruments valued at carrying value:

The respective carrying values of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments approximated their fair value. These financial instruments include cash and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, securities purchased and sold under resale and repurchase agreements, accrued interest receivable, acceptances, accrued interest payable, and certain other assets and liabilities that are considered financial instruments. Carrying values were assumed to approximate fair values for these financial instruments as they are short-term in nature and their recorded amounts approximate fair values or are receivable or payable on demand.

Trading securities:

Trading securities are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices did not exist, fair values were estimated using market yield on balance period to maturity on similar instruments and similar credit risk. For more information on the fair value of these securities, refer to Note 5.

Available for sale securities:

Available for sale investments principally comprise debt securities and are carried at fair value. Such fair values were based on quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices did not exist, fair values were estimated using a market yield on the balance period to maturity on similar instruments and similar credit risks. The fair values of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is estimated based on revised estimated cash flows at each balance sheet date, discounted at current market pricing for transactions with similar risk. For more information on the fair value of these securities, refer to Note 6.

Loans:

The fair values of consumer installment loans and other consumer loans that do not reprice frequently were estimated using discounted cash flow models. The discount rates were based on current market pricing for loans with similar characteristics and risk factors. Since substantially all individual lines of credit and other variable rate consumer loans reprice frequently, with interest rates reflecting current market pricing, the carrying values of these loans approximate their fair values.

The fair values of commercial loans that do not reprice or mature within relatively short time frames were estimated using discounted cash flow models. The discount rates were based on current market interest rates for loans with similar remaining maturities and credit ratings. For commercial loans that reprice within relatively short time frames, the carrying values approximate their fair values.

For purposes of these fair value estimates, the fair values of impaired loans were computed by deducting an estimated market discount from their carrying values to reflect the uncertainty of future cash flows.

Deposits:

The fair value of demand deposits, savings deposits, and money market deposits without defined maturities are the amounts payable on demand. For deposits with defined maturities, the fair values were estimated using discounted cash flow models that apply market interest rates corresponding to similar deposits and timing of maturities.

Short-term borrowings:

The fair values of the Bank’s short-term debt were calculated based on a discounted cash flow model. The discount rates were based on yield curves appropriate for the remaining maturities of the instruments.

Long-term debt:

The fair values of the Bank’s unquoted long-term debt instruments were calculated based on a discounted cash flow model. The discount rates were based on yield curves appropriate for the remaining maturities of the instruments.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Term placements:

The fair values of term placements were estimated using discounted cash flow models. The discount rates were based on current market pricing for placements with similar characteristics and risk factors.

Derivatives

See note 24

A comparison of the fair values and carrying values of financial instruments is set out below:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013  
                          Estimated Fair Value                
     Carrying
Value
     Estimated Fair
Value
     Carrying
Value
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Carrying
Value
     Estimated
Fair

Value
 

Financial Assets:

                          

Cash and cash equivalents

   Rs. 188,043.0       Rs. 188,043.0       Rs. 218,740.2       Rs. 218,740.2       Rs. —         Rs. —         Rs. 218,740.2       US$ 4,012.1       US$ 4,012.1   

Term placements

     150,096.5         149,900.6         199,265.7         —           199,032.6         —           199,032.6         3,654.9         3,650.6   

Investments held for trading

     77,043.4         77,043.4         87,383.5         —           87,383.5         —           87,383.5         1,602.8         1,602.8   

Investments available for sale*

     806,501.6         806,501.6         1,017,441.4         496.5         1,016,944.9         —           1,017,441.4         18,661.8         18,661.8   

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

     20,868.3         20,868.3         67,000.0         —           67,000.0         —           67,000.0         1,228.9         1,228.9   

Loans

     2,006,374.3         2,025,336.9         2,504,551.6         —           2,532,896.5         —           2,532,896.5         45,938.2         46,458.1   

Accrued interest receivable

     26,645.5         26,645.5         34,370.9         —           34,370.9         —           34,370.9         630.4         630.4   

Other assets

     161,705.4         160,657.4         112,498.9         —           111,408.6         —           111,408.6         2,063.4         2,043.4   

Financial Liabilities:

                             —     

Interest-bearing deposits

     2,012,057.9         2,018,607.1         2,438,262.0         —           2,433,527.9         —           2,433,527.9         44,722.3         44,635.5   

Non-interest-bearing deposits

     452,991.7         452,991.7         522,271.9         —           522,271.9         —           522,271.9         9,579.5         9,579.5   

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

     70,000.0         70,000.0         205,000.0         —           205,000.0         —           205,000.0         3,760.1         3,760.1   

Short-term borrowings

     112,642.8         112,642.8         145,617.2         —           145,491.0         —           145,491.0         2,670.9         2,668.6   

Accrued interest payable

     51,935.9         51,935.9         58,135.2         —           58,135.2         —           58,135.2         1,066.3         1,066.3   

Long-term debt

     178,366.6         181,775.7         295,219.7         —           305,170.5         —           305,170.5         5,414.9         5,597.4   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     263,198.8         263,198.8         195,190.5         —           195,190.5         —           195,190.5         3,580.2         3,580.2   

 

* excluding investments carried at cost Rs. 630.1 million (previous year Rs.578.8 million)

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

26. Segment information

The Bank operates in three reportable segments: wholesale banking, retail banking and treasury services. The revenue and related expense recognition policies are set out in Note 2. Substantially all operations and assets are based in India.

The retail banking segment serves retail customers through a branch network and other delivery channels. This segment raises deposits from customers and makes loans, provides credit cards and debit cards, distributes third-party financial products, such as mutual funds and insurance, and provides advisory services to such customers. Revenues of the retail banking segment are derived from interest earned on retail loans, fees for banking and advisory services, profit from foreign exchange and derivative transactions and interest earned from other segments for surplus funds placed with those segments. Expenses of this segment are primarily comprised of interest expense on deposits, infrastructure and premises expenses for operating the branch network and other delivery channels, personnel costs, other direct overheads and allocated expenses. The Bank’s retail banking loan products also include loans to small and medium enterprises for commercial vehicles, construction equipment and other business purposes. Such grouping ensures optimum utilization and deployment of specialized resources in the retail banking business.

The wholesale banking segment provides loans and transaction services to corporate customers. As discussed above, loans to small and medium enterprises for commercial vehicles, construction equipment and other business purposes are included in the retail banking segment. Revenues of the wholesale banking segment consist of interest earned on loans made to corporate customers, investment income from credit substitutes, interest earned on the cash float arising from transaction services, fees from such transaction services and profits from foreign exchange and derivative transactions with wholesale banking customers. The principal expenses of the segment consist of interest expense on funds borrowed from other segments, premises expenses, personnel costs, other direct overheads and allocated expenses.

The treasury services segment undertakes trading operations on the proprietary account (including investments in government securities), foreign exchange operations and derivatives trading both on the proprietary account and customer flows and borrowings. Revenues of the treasury services segment primarily consist of fees and gains and losses from trading operations and of net interest revenue/ expense from investments in government securities and borrowings. Revenues from foreign exchange and derivative operations and customer flows are classified under the retail or wholesale segments depending on the profile of the customer.

Segment income and expenses include certain allocations. Interest income is charged by a segment that provides funding to another segment, based on yields benchmarked to an internally developed composite yield curve which broadly tracks market-discovered interest rates.

Directly identifiable overheads are attributed to a segment at actual amounts incurred. Indirect shared costs, principally corporate office expenses, are generally allocated to each segment on the basis of area occupied, number of staff, volume and nature of transactions. Wholesale banking segment includes unallocated taxes and other items.

Summarized segment information for the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013:

 

     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011     2012  
     Retail
Banking
    Wholesale
Banking
    Treasury
Services
    Total     Retail
Banking
    Wholesale
Banking
    Treasury
Services
    Total  
     (In millions)  

Net interest income (External)

   Rs. 57,723.7      Rs. 50,959.5        Rs.    (280.9)      Rs. 108,402.3      Rs. 73,157.0      Rs. 52,357.0      Rs. 878.0      Rs. 126,392.0   

Net interest income (Internal)

     30,895.4        (32,113.5     1,218.1        —          27,856.6        (29,476.0 )     1,619.4        —     

Net interest revenue

     88,619.1        18,846.0        937.2        108,402.3        101,013.6        22,881.0        2,497.4        126,392.0   

Less: Provision for credit losses

     5,585.5        4,036.4        —          9,621.9        6,445.6        1,391.7        —          7,837.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest revenue, after allowance for credit losses

     83,033.6        14,809.6        937.2        98,780.4        94,568.0        21,489.3        2,497.4        118,554.7   

Non-interest revenue

     39,287.4        6,342.3        1,185.7        46,815.4        46,193.6        7,609.4        (1,207.5 )     52,595.5   

Non-interest expense

     (70,459.0     (10,851.2     (1,060.0     (82,370.2     (86,131.7     (8,146.5 )     (3,035.3 )     (97,313.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax

   Rs. 51,862.0      Rs. 10,300.7      Rs. 1,062.9      Rs. 63,225.6      Rs. 54,629.9      Rs. 20,952.2        Rs. (1,745.4)     Rs. 73,836.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment assets:

                

Segment total assets

   Rs. 1,438,916.3      Rs. 1,266,144.9      Rs. 215,175.1      Rs. 2,920,236.3      Rs. 1,843,971.3      Rs. 1,344,261.7      Rs. 382,922.7      Rs. 3,571,155.7   

 

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Table of Contents

HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

     Fiscal year ended March 31,  
     2013  
     Retail
Banking
    Wholesale
Banking
    Treasury
Services
    Total     Total  
     (In millions)  

Net interest income (External)

   Rs. 88,384.7      Rs. 68,846.3        Rs.    (154.5)     Rs. 157,076.5      US$ 2,881.2   

Net interest income (Internal)

     39,908.1        (41,783.7 )     1,875.6        —          —     

Net interest revenue

     128,292.8        27,062.6        1,721.1        157,076.5        2,881.2   

Less: Provision for credit losses

     11,107.1        1,580.9        —          12,688.0        232.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest revenue, after allowance for credit losses

     117,185.7        25,481.7        1,721.1        144,388.5        2,648.5   

Non-interest revenue

     56,181.9        6,619.0        2,376.5        65,177.4        1,195.3   

Non-interest expense

     (105,510.9 )     (9,803.3 )     (2,276.9 )     (117,591.1 )     (2,156.8 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax

   Rs. 67,856.7      Rs. 22,297.4      Rs. 1,820.7        91,974.8      US$ 1,687.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment assets:

          

Segment total assets

   Rs. 2,301,087.4      Rs. 1,684,462.0      Rs. 385,356.7      Rs. 4,370,906.1      US$ 80,170.8   

27. Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingent liabilities other than for off balance sheet financial instruments (see note 24) are as follows:

Capital commitments

The Bank has entered into committed capital contracts, principally for branch expansion and technology upgrades. The estimated amounts of contracts remaining to be executed on the capital account as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 aggregated Rs. 3,274.2 million and Rs. 2,918.7 million, respectively.

Contingencies

The Bank is party to various legal proceedings in the normal course of business. The Bank estimates the provision for these indirect taxes since no precedents exist which could be used as points of reference. The amount of claims against the Bank which are not acknowledged as debts as of March 31, 2013 aggregated to Rs. 7,152.1 million (previous year Rs. 3,120.7 million). The Bank does not expect the outcome of these proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. The Bank intends to vigorously defend these claims. Although the results of legal actions cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management, after taking appropriate legal advice, that the likelihood of these claims becoming obligations of the Bank is remote and hence the resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect, if any, on the Bank’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Lease commitments

The bank is party to operating leases for certain of its office premises, employee residences and ATMs, with a renewal option of the Bank. The Bank has sub-leased certain of its properties taken on lease. The rental expenses and sub-lease income is as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013      2013  
     (In millions)  

The total minimum lease payments during the year recognized in the consolidated statement of income

   Rs. 4,630.7       Rs. 5,382.0       Rs. 7,006.1       US$ 128.5   

Sub-lease income recognized in the consolidated statement of income

   Rs. 181.3       Rs. 241.7       Rs. 242.2       US$ 4.4   

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The future minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

Year ending March 31,

   Payments  
     (In millions)  

2014

   Rs. 6,115.9       US$ 112.2   

2015

     5,771.5         105.9   

2016

     5,492.8         100.7   

2017

     5,181.1         95.0   

2018

     4,323.5         79.3   

Thereafter

     10,216.6         187.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 37,101.4       US$ 680.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The future minimum lease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable sub leases as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were Rs. 664.7 million and Rs.643.0 million, respectively.

Reward points

The movement in provision for credit card and debit card reward points as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 is as follows:.

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)  

Opening provision of reward points

   Rs. 593.3      Rs. 858.0      US$ 15.7   

Provision made during the year

     551.0        1,093.5        20.1   

Utilization/ write back of provision

     (221.0 )     (626.5 )     (11.5 )

Effect of change in rate of accrual of reward points

     (65.3 )     141.1        2.6   

Effect of change in cost of reward points

     —          (165.4 )     (3.0 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Closing provision of reward points

   Rs. 858.0      Rs. 1,300.7      US$ 23.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

28. Related party transactions

The Bank’s principal related parties consist of HDFC Limited, its principal owner, subsidiaries of HDFC Limited and affiliates of the Bank. Transactions disclosed under “others” primarily consist of transactions with subsidiaries of HDFC Limited and affiliates of the Bank. The Bank enters into transactions with its related parties, such as providing banking services, sharing costs and service providers, purchasing services, making joint investments, and borrowing from related parties and subletting premises. The Bank is prohibited from making loans to companies with which it has directors in common. The Bank, being an authorized dealer, deals in foreign exchange and derivative transactions with certain parties which include the principal owner and related companies. The foreign exchange and derivative transactions are undertaken in line with the RBI guidelines. The Bank’s related party balances and transactions are summarized as follows:

Balances payable to related parties are as follows:

 

    As of March 31,  
    2012     2013  
    Principal
owner
    Others     Total     Principal
owner
    Others     Total     Total  
    (In millions)  

Balances in non-interest-bearing deposits

  Rs. 13,477.8      Rs. 3,239.6      Rs. 16,717.4      Rs. 9,251.6      Rs. 4,262.4      Rs. 13,514.0      US$ 247.9   

Balances in interest- bearing deposits

    7,629.9        512.9        8,142.8        10,600.1        1,492.3        12,092.4        221.8   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  Rs. 21,107.7      Rs. 3,752.5      Rs. 24,860.2      Rs. 19,851.7      Rs. 5,754.7      Rs. 25,606.4      US$ 469.7   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Balances receivable from related parties are as follows:

 

     As of March 31,  
     2012      2013  
     Principal
owner
     Others      Total      Principal
owner
     Others      Total      Total  
     (In millions)  

Loans

   Rs. —         Rs. 286.4       Rs. 286.4       Rs. —         Rs. 87.1       Rs. 87.1       US$ 1.6   

Other assets

     54.5         838.2         892.7         141.2         1,082.4         1,223.6         22.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 54.5       Rs. 1,124.6       Rs. 1,179.1       Rs. 141.2       Rs. 1,169.5       Rs. 1,310.7       US$ 24.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment from related parties for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 were nil. Purchase and sale of investments from others for the year ended March 31, 2013 were Rs. 2,942.4 million (previous year Rs. 239.7 million) and Rs. 8,724.4 million (previous year Rs. 4,585.2 million), respectively. Investment of others in the Bank’s tier II bonds for the year ended March 31, 2013 were Rs. 660.0 million (previous year Rs. 110.0 million).

Included in the determination of net income are the following significant transactions with related parties:

 

    March 31,  
    2011     2012     2013  
    Principal
owner
    Others     Total     Principal
owner
    Others     Total     Principal
owner
    Others     Total     Total  
    (In millions)  

Non-interest revenue-Fees and commissions

  Rs. 807.2      Rs. 7,948.6      Rs. 8,755.8      Rs. 838.7      Rs. 6,200.0      Rs. 7,038.7      Rs. 1,395.9      Rs. 6,689.5      Rs. 8,085.4      US$ 148.3   

Interest and Dividend revenue

    —         45.0        45.0        —          14.2        14.2        —          19.1        19.1        0.4   

Interest expense- Deposits

    48.8        11.8        60.6        75.5        28.6        104.1        97.9        131.8        229.7        4.2   

Non-interest expense-Administrative and other

    —         (327.9 )     (327.9 )     —          (366.4 )     (366.4 )     (462.4     (1,110.7 )     (1,573.1 )     (28.9 )

Non-interest expense-Premises and equipment

    (17.3     (12.6     (29.9     (16.9     (12.6     (29.5     (17.0 )     (12.6 )     (29.6 )     (0.5 )

Other transactions with principal owners are as follows:

During the years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, the Bank purchased “AAA” rated home loans aggregating Rs. 49,776.2 million and Rs. 51,644.0 million, respectively. Dividends paid to HDFC Limited during the years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were Rs. 1,297.6 million and Rs. 1,690.8 million, respectively. The Bank also enters into foreign exchange and derivative transactions with HDFC Ltd. The notional principal amount and the mark-to-market gains in respect of foreign exchange and derivative contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2013 was Rs.2,500.0 million (previous year Rs.2,500.0 million) and Rs. 49.3 million (previous year Rs. 107.3 million), respectively.

29. Regulatory capital and capital adequacy

The Bank is a banking company within the meaning of the Indian Banking Regulation Act, 1949, registered with and subject to supervision by the RBI. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could lead to regulatory actions by the RBI that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Bank and its financial position. As per the RBI’s prudential norms on capital adequacy under the Basel I framework (Basel I), the Bank is required to maintain a Capital to Risk—weighted Asset Ratio of a minimum of 9%, for both credit risk and market risk. RBI has also issued its prudential guidelines on ‘Capital Adequacy and Market Discipline – Implementation of the New Capital Adequacy Framework’ (Basel II). The Bank has migrated to the new framework effective March 31, 2009. Under the Basel II guidelines, the Bank is required to maintain a minimum Capital to Risk-weighted Asset Ratio of 9% on an ongoing basis for credit risk, market risk and operational risk, with a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%. Further, the minimum capital maintained by the Bank as on March 31, 2013 is subject to a prudential floor, which is the higher of the following amounts:

 

  a) Minimum capital required as per the new framework (Basel II); or

 

  b) 80% of the minimum capital required to be maintained as per the Basel I framework.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Bank’s regulatory capital and capital adequacy ratios are measured in accordance with Indian GAAP and calculated under both the Basel I and Basel II frameworks, are as follows:

 

     Basel I, as of March 31,      Basel II, as of March 31,  
     2012     2013     2013      2012     2013     2013  
     (In millions)      (In millions)  

Tier 1 capital

   Rs. 281,135.6      Rs. 339,282.0      US$ 6,223.1       Rs. 280,674.9      Rs. 338,811.3      US$ 6,214.4   

Tier 2 capital

     118,989.7        175,192.3        3,213.4         118,989.7        175,192.3        3,213.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital

   Rs. 400,125.3      Rs. 514,474.3      US$ 9,436.5       Rs. 399,664.6      Rs. 514,003.6      US$ 9,427.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total risk-weighted assets and contingents

   Rs. 2,547,642.9      Rs. 3,227,251.5      US$ 59,193.9       Rs. 2,418,963.2      Rs. 3,058,788.9      US$ 56,104.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital ratios of the Bank:

             

Tier 1

     11.04     10.51        11.60     11.08  

Total capital

     15.71     15.94        16.52     16.80  

Minimum capital ratios required by the RBI:

             

Tier 1

     4.50     4.50        6.00     6.00  

Total capital

     9.00     9.00        9.00     9.00  

Dividends

Any dividends declared by the Bank are based on the profit available for distribution as reported in the statutory financial statements of the Bank prepared in accordance with Indian GAAP. Additionally, the Banking Regulation Act and related regulations require the Bank to transfer 25% of its Indian GAAP profit after tax to a non-distributable statutory reserve and to meet certain other conditions in order to pay dividends without prior RBI approval. As per the RBI guidelines, the dividend payout (excluding dividend tax) for March 31, 2013 cannot exceed 35% of net income of Rs. 67,262.9 million as calculated under Indian GAAP. Accordingly, the net income reported in these financial statements may not be fully distributable in that year. Dividends declared for the years ended March 31, 2011, March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 were Rs. 3.30, Rs. 4.30 and Rs. 5.50 per equity share, respectively.

30. Earnings per equity share

By a special resolution on July 6, 2011, the shareholders of the Bank approved a stock split resulting in a reduction in the par value of each equity share from Rs. 10.0 to Rs. 2.0 per equity share effective as of July 16, 2011. All share/ADS and per share/ADS data reflect the effect of the stock split retroactively. One ADS continues to represent three shares.

A reconciliation of the equity shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per equity share has been provided below. Potential equity shares in the nature of ESOPs with average outstanding balance of 8,968,251 and nil were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, respectively, as these were
anti-dilutive for the years.

 

     As of March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  

Weighted average number of equity shares used in computing basic earnings per equity share

     2,309,042,936         2,336,704,062         2,360,974,835   

Effect of potential equity shares for stock options outstanding

     32,879,357         20,643,197         25,132,636   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of equity shares used in computing diluted earnings per equity share

     2,341,922,293         2,357,347,259         2,386,107,471   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following are reconciliations of basic and diluted earnings per equity share and earnings per ADS.

 

                                                                   
     Fiscal years ended March 31,  
     2011      2012      2013      2013  

Basic earnings per share

   Rs. 17.84       Rs. 21.30       Rs. 26.18       US$ 0.48   

Effect of potential equity shares for stock options outstanding

     0.25         0.18         0.27         0.01   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   Rs. 17.59       Rs. 21.12       Rs. 25.91       US$ 0.47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per ADS

   Rs. 53.52       Rs. 63.90       Rs. 78.54       US$ 1.44   

Effect of potential equity shares for stock options outstanding

     0.75         0.54         0.81         0.03   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per ADS

   Rs. 52.77       Rs. 63.36       Rs. 77.73       US$ 1.41   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

31. Subsidiaries

HDB Financial Services Limited (“HDBFSL”) is a non-banking financial company and a subsidiary of the Bank. As at March 31, 2013, the stake-holding of the Bank in HDBFSL was 97.6%. The financial statements of HDBFSL are consolidated.

HDFC Securities Ltd. (“HSL”) offers trading facilities in a range of equity, fixed income and derivative products to its clients. As at March 31, 2013 the Bank holds a 62.1% effective equity interest. The financial statements of HSL are consolidated.

Atlas Documentary Facilitators Company Private Ltd (“ADFC”) specializes in back-office processing. The Bank regularly transacts business with ADFC. As on March 31, 2013, HDFC Bank Ltd. and its subsidiaries hold 59.0% of the equity interests of ADFC. Members of the Bank’s management team as well as other employees also hold a stake in the equity share capital. The financial statements of ADFC are consolidated.

HBL Global Private Ltd (“HBL”) is a subsidiary of ADFC which holds 98.0% of its equity. HBL provides direct sales support for certain products of the Bank. The financial statements of HBL are consolidated.

32. Investments in Affiliates

The Bank frequently partners with other HDFC group companies when making investments. The Bank currently has two strategic investments in which HDFC group companies are co-investors. Without the prior approval of the RBI, the Bank cannot hold more than a 30% equity stake in another company. The following is a list of investments in affiliates as at March 31, 2013:

 

Company

  

Type of Business

   HDFC Bank Ltd.  and
Subsidiaries
Investment
     HDFC Bank Ltd.  and
Subsidiaries
Ownership
    Total HDFC
Group  Ownership
 
          (in millions)               

Computer Age Management Services Private Limited (“CAMS”)

  

Unit capital accounting and transfer agency services

   Rs. 11.1         16.1 %     31.2

Softcell Technologies Limited (“Softcell”)

  

Business-to-business software services

   Rs. 30.3         14.0 %     26.0

International Asset Reconstruction Company Private Limited

  

Business of securitization and asset reconstruction

   Rs. 311.7         29.4 %     29.4

The holdings in the above-mentioned companies are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The increase/ (decrease) in the carrying value in these companies was Rs. 73.1 million in fiscal March 31, 2013 (previous year Rs. 61.6 million). This is included under non-interest revenue—other, net.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

33. Fair value measurement

FASB Accounting Standards Codification “ASC” 820 (Topic 820) Fair Value Measures and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in US GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

Level of input

  

Definition

Level 1

   Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2

   Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3

   Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e. supported with little or no market activity).

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Bank’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value. For Level 1 instruments the valuation is based upon the unadjusted quoted prices of identical instruments traded in active markets. For Level 2 instruments, where such quoted market prices are not available, the valuation is based upon the quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, the quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, prices quoted by market participants and prices derived from standard valuation methodologies or internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities and credit spreads, which are available from public sources such as Reuters, Bloomberg and the Fixed Income Money Markets and Derivatives Association of India. The valuation methodology primarily includes discounted cash flow techniques. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Bank’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The valuation of Level 3 instruments is based on valuation techniques or models which use significant market unobservable inputs or assumptions.

The Bank uses its quantitative pricing models to determine the fair value of its derivative instruments. These models use multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors to value the position that are observable directly or indirectly. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Bank’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time.

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Available for Securities: Available for sale investments are principally comprised of debt securities and are carried at fair value. Such fair values were based on quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices did not exist, fair values were estimated using the market yield on the balance period to maturity on similar instruments and similar credit risks. The fair values of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities is estimated based on revised estimated cash flows at each balance sheet date, discounted at current market pricing for transactions with similar risk.

Trading Securities: Trading securities are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices or market observable inputs.

Held to maturity securities: There were no HTM securities as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes investments measured at fair value excluding investments carried at cost of Rs. 578.8 million on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using  

Particulars

   Total      Quoted prices
in active markets

for identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
            (In millions)         

Trading account securities

   Rs. 77,043.4       Rs. —         Rs. 77,043.4   

Securities Available-for-Sale

     806,501.6         673.4         805,828.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 883,545.0       Rs. 673.4       Rs. 882,871.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes investments measured at fair value excluding investments carried at cost of Rs. 630.1 million on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2013, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using  

Particulars

   Total      Quoted prices
in active markets
for identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
            (In millions)         

Trading account securities

   Rs. 87,383.5       Rs. —         Rs. 87,383.5   

Securities Available-for-Sale

     1,017,441.4         496.5         1,016,944.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   Rs. 1,104,824.9       Rs. 496.5       Rs. 1,104,328.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   US$ 20,264.6       US$ 9.1       US$ 20,255.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There have been no transfers between level 1 and 2 for the years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013.

Derivatives: The Bank enters into forward exchange contracts, currency options, forward rate agreements, currency swaps and rupee interest rate swaps with inter-bank participants on its own account and for customers. These transactions enable customers to transfer, modify or reduce their foreign exchange and interest rate risks. Forward exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency at a future date at the contracted rate. Currency swaps are commitments to exchange cash flows by way of interest in one currency against another currency and exchange of principal amount at maturity based on predetermined rates. Rupee interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange fixed and floating rate cash flows in Rupees.

The Bank uses its pricing models to determine the fair value of its derivative instruments. These models use market inputs that are observable directly or indirectly.

The following table summarizes derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using  

Particulars

   Total      Quoted prices
in active markets
for identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant other
observable  inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 

Derivative assets

   Rs. 133,194.3       Rs. —        Rs. 133,194.3       Rs. —    

Derivative liabilities

   Rs. 127,932.3       Rs. —        Rs. 127,932.3       Rs. —    

The following table summarizes derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2013, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using  

Particulars

   Total      Quoted prices
in active markets
for identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
unobservable

inputs
(Level 3)
 

Derivative assets

   Rs. 72,523.0       Rs. —         Rs. 72,523.0       Rs. —     

Derivative liabilities

   Rs. 69,099.7       Rs. —         Rs. 69,099.7       Rs. —     

 

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HDFC BANK LIMITED AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

34. Subsequent events

In the meeting of Board of Directors of the Bank held on April 23, 2013, the Board recommended a dividend of Rs. 5.5 per share, which has been subsequently approved by the shareholders in their Annual General Meeting, held on June 27, 2013. The total amount of dividend of Rs. 15,364.1 million including tax on distributed profits was paid subsequent to June 27, 2013.

Since March 31, 2013, the Indian rupee has depreciated significantly against the U. S. dollar. The Bank has translated its U. S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities using the Foreign Exchange Dealers’ Association of India (FEDAI) published rate of 54.29 rupees per U. S. dollar as of March 31, 2013. Had the Bank translated its U. S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities using the FEDAI published rate of 59.68 rupees per U. S. dollar as of July 19, 2013, its loans, net of allowances would have been stated higher by Rs. 14.4 billion, total deposits would have been stated higher by Rs. 5.1 billion and total borrowings would have been stated higher by Rs. 10.3 billion. No consideration has been given to changes in unsettled transactions from the date of the financial statements to the date the rate changed.

 

F-59


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

HDFC Bank Limited
/s/ Sashidhar Jagdishan
Name: Sashidhar Jagdishan
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 29, 2013


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description of Document

    1.1    HDFC Bank Memorandum of Association, as amended (incorporated by reference to HDFC Bank Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on July 12, 2001 (Registration No. 333-13718))
    1.2    HDFC Bank Articles of Association, as amended (incorporated by reference to HDFC Bank Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on July 12, 2001 (Registration No. 333-13718))
    1.3    Amendment to Memorandum and Articles of Association (incorporated herein by reference to HDFC Bank Limited’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 29, 2008)
    1.4    Amendment to Memorandum and Articles of Association (incorporated herein by reference to HDFC Bank Limited’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 30, 2011)
    2.1    Deposit Agreement among HDFC Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (including as an exhibit, the form of American Depositary Receipt) (incorporated herein by reference to HDFC Bank Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on July 12, 2001 (Registration No. 333-13718))
    2.2    HDFC Bank’s Specimen Certificate for Equity Shares (incorporated herein by reference to HDFC Bank Limited’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed on July 12, 2001 (Registration No. 333-13718))
    2.3    Amendment number 1, to the Deposit Agreement among HDFC Bank Limited, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and all holders from time to time of American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder (incorporated herein by reference to F-6 filed on July 13, 2011 (Registration No. 333-13718))
    4.1    Scheme of Amalgamation of Centurion Bank of Punjab Limited with HDFC Bank Limited (incorporated herein by reference to HDFC Bank Limited’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 29, 2008)
  12.1    Certification of the Managing Director pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)
  12.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of HDFC Bank pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)
  13    Certifications by the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
101*    The following financial information from HDFC Bank Ltd. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2013 is formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

HDFC Bank Limited agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon its request, the instruments relating to the long-term debt for securities authorized thereunder that do not exceed 10% of HDFC Bank Limited’s total assets.

 

* Furnished herewith